Women's Football Confronts Significant Threats, So Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?

On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.