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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate 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 expressly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

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

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though teammates were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.