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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different media outlet, providing wider exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global female football landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and believe that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.