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On late October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was republished completely by another media outlet, providing broader attention.

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, 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 Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly bans trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.