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During late October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online post in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The next day, her writing was shared in full by a different publication, giving it broader exposure.

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that restriction is thought to impact 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 NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.