🔗 Share this article

On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another media outlet, providing wider exposure.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“That article does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, despite teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.