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On late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, providing broader attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“That article does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though teammates were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.