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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, 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 out trans players currently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly bans trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research 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 Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.