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On late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, leaving the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

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

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum seems mostly strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the league. On the current 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 Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, despite players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, 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 any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.