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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance unclear.

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

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—viewership have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

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

Other Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.