🔗 Share this article Women's Soccer Faces Significant Threats, Yet Why the Panic About Trans Players? On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's future stance unclear. The following day, her writing was republished completely by a different media outlet, giving it wider exposure. “I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote. Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.” Examining the Actual Risk It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football landscape. The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026. Examining the Evidence Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal. In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence. Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes. Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment. “The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.” Additional Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its reputation. Working conditions for staff remain a concern. Six former club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination. Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures. Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures. Financial rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring 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 challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.