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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position unclear.

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

“I'm concerned 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 trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff remain a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though teammates were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.