🔗 Share this article

During late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's position unclear.

The next day, her writing was shared completely by another publication, providing wider attention.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple trans players: 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 NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.