Female Soccer Faces Significant Threats, Yet Why the Alarm About Trans Athletes?

During the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by a different media outlet, providing wider exposure.

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

The article generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals 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 pipeline 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. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to penalize a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.