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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by another media outlet, providing broader attention.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

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

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is thought to affect only approximately twenty grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

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

Other Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.