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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different publication, giving it wider attention.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will lose its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

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

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

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

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

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

Other Pressing Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.