Women's Soccer Faces Serious Challenges, Yet Why the Panic About Trans Players?

During late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's position unclear.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, giving it wider attention.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears mostly fine—viewership have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.