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During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

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

Examining the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide 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.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated 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 Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, despite teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.