Female Soccer Confronts Significant Threats, So Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?
During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.
The following day, her writing was shared in full by a different media outlet, providing wider exposure.
“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.
The article broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”
Examining the Actual Risk
It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.
Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.
Examining the Data
Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.
In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.
Unfounded Concerns and Actual Damage
Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.
Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.
“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”
Other Pressing Issues Confronting the League
Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the growth and affected its reputation.
- Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
- Player care is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
- Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
- Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.
Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.