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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by a different media outlet, providing wider exposure.

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—viewership have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players 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 wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.