🔗 Share this article

During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

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

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care 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 upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.