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During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's position unclear.

The next day, her writing was shared completely by another publication, giving it broader attention.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

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

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Real Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite players were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

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