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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different media outlet, giving it wider attention.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum seems mostly strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to penalize a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

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