Female Soccer Confronts Serious Challenges, Yet Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?
On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.
The following day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, providing broader exposure.
“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.
Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”
Questioning the Real Threat
It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.
The league's momentum seems mostly strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.
Analyzing the Data
Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.
In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players currently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.
Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage
The article is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.
Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.
“The piece does not represent for this team in our dressing 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 racist as well.”
Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League
Even if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.
- Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
- Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
- Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
- Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.
Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.