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During late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by another publication, giving it wider exposure.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally 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 WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.