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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished in full by another media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to affect only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players currently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond 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 this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily 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 all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to penalize a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

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.