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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different media outlet, providing wider attention.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to penalize a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

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