During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance unclear.
The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.
“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.
The article generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”
Questioning the Actual Risk
It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global female football scene.
Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.
Analyzing the Evidence
Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.
Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn 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 league welcomed its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.
Baseless Fears and Actual Harm
Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.
Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.
“That article does not speak for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”
Other Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL
Regardless if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.
- Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent discrimination.
- Player care is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
- Extreme weather guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to penalize a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
- Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.
Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.
