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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full 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 broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

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

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly threatened to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.