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On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

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

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so 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: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly bans trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have truly blunted the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association 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 penalize a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.