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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by another publication, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

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

The league's momentum seems largely fine—viewership have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

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