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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by another media outlet, providing broader exposure.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Threat

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

The league's momentum appears mostly fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

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

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to dominate the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.