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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

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

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will lose its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

The league's momentum seems largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL 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 stream of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“That article does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Facing the League

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, despite teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.