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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, making the organization's position unclear.

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

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

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

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate 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 prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence 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 wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though players were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is growing, 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 unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.