Female Football Confronts Significant Threats, So Why the Alarm About Transgender Athletes?

On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL'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 distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum appears mostly strong—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece 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. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

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