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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different publication, providing broader exposure.

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

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

Examining the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum appears mostly fine—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL'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 play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though players were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.