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On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was republished completely by another publication, providing broader attention.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its character and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum seems mostly strong—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple 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 celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly blunted the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.