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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online statement in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the league's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely strong—viewership have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the NWSL. 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 the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced 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 comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.