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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was shared in full by a different media outlet, providing wider exposure.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears mostly fine—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to dominate the league imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to penalize a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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