Women's Soccer Confronts Serious Threats, Yet Why the Panic About Trans Athletes?
On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.
The following day, her writing was republished in full by another publication, giving it broader exposure.
“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.
Her piece generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”
Questioning the Actual Risk
It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.
The league's momentum seems largely fine—viewership have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.
Examining the Evidence
Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.
In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.
Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage
The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.
In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.
“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”
Other Urgent Issues Confronting the NWSL
Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.
- Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
- Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
- Severe climate guidelines have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
- Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.
Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.
