Female Soccer Faces Significant Challenges, Yet Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?

On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, providing 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 NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its thousandth player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The league was slow to respond 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,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think 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 growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to penalize a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.