Female Soccer Confronts Significant Threats, So Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?

During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it broader attention.

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

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum seems largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to dominate the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without 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 wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.