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On 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 transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was shared completely by another publication, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide female football landscape.

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

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

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

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted 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 supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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