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During late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another media outlet, providing broader exposure.

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

The article broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—viewership have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, 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 play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, 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 similar abuse.

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

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly 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 did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.