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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's position unclear.

The next day, her writing was shared in full by a different publication, providing broader exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

The article generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly fine—audience numbers have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes 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 US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

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