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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“That article does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to penalize a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.