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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by another publication, giving it broader exposure.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—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 recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

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

Baseless Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in our dressing 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 discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and think that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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