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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position unclear.

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

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions 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 out trans players presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears 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. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent 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 resumed, despite teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.