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

On late October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different publication, providing broader attention.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.