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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the league's position unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct brand. 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 mostly fine—viewership have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree 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 Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

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