Female Soccer Faces Serious Threats, So Why the Panic About Transgender Athletes?

On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, giving it wider exposure.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—viewership have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

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

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.