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

The next day, her writing was shared in full by a different media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

The league's momentum seems largely strong—viewership have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. However, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its thousandth participant. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

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

Other Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, 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 staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.