🔗 Share this article

On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by a different publication, providing wider attention.

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have grown every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

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