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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, providing wider exposure.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

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

Questioning the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

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

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Six former club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, despite players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.