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On late October, ACFC 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 quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another publication, providing wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

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

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable 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 plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.