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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, providing wider exposure.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—viewership have increased 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 affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple 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 celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Real Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite players were clearly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.