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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online statement in nearly two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, giving it broader exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—viewership have increased each year, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Actual Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, despite players were clearly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues 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 did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.