🔗 Share this article

During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full by another media outlet, providing wider attention.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

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

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to dominate the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff remain 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 discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review 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 disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

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