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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's position undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

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

The article broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

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

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, despite players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league 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 team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.