🔗 Share this article

During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by a different publication, providing wider exposure.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

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

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.