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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the league's position unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different publication, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

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

Examining the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

The league's momentum appears mostly fine—viewership have grown every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Actual Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, 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 unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.