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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, making the league's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

The article generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

The league's momentum appears largely fine—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

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

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow 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,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though players were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.