Key Highlights
- National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) lacks a gender eligibility policy for its players.
- Player Elizabeth Eddy proposes a clear standard for gender eligibility in an op-ed.
- NWSL and NWSLPA are committed to collective bargaining on policies, emphasizing inclusivity.
- Supporters of the league push back against Eddy’s stance, advocating for player well-being.
The Silence Speaks Louder: NWSL’s Lack of Gender Eligibility Policy
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been without a gender eligibility policy for its players since 2022, a fact that has invited harassment and calls for clarity. This absence of a clear standard is particularly concerning given the recent controversies in other sports involving transgender athletes.
Player Advocacy and Controversy
On October 27, 2025, NWSL defender Elizabeth Eddy called for the adoption of a “clear standard” for gender eligibility. In her op-ed published by the New York Post, she expressed concerns about the league’s identity and momentum without such a policy. Eddy cited recent controversies in swimming and track and field as examples, where governing bodies have implemented new policies regarding transgender athletes.
Eddy’s proposal includes requirements that players must be born with ovaries or submit to gene testing or similar verification methods. This stance has sparked debate within the league and among supporters.
League Response and Player Association Stance
In response, a spokesperson for the NWSL stated: “The NWSL is committed to working directly with the NWSL Players Association on any changes to our league policies to ensure players’ voices are central to our processes and reinforces our commitment to inclusion, trust, and transparency.” The NWSLPA emphasized that any policy change would be collectively bargained, engaging all members of the association.
Angel City FC, a team in the NWSL, released a statement supporting equity, inclusion, and belonging. However, supporters of the league have pushed back against Eddy’s proposal, arguing for the protection of current players and potential future participants.
Inclusive Values vs. Clear Policies
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has previously stated that the league will “continually live by our values” and support everyone in its ecosystem, including fans, players, employees, and communities. However, critics argue that without a clear policy, the league’s commitment to inclusivity is ambiguous.
Julie Kliegman, an expert on gender and sports, commented: “You have to take a stance. It has to be clear, it has to be transparent, and it has to be inclusive.
Otherwise, this neutral ground isn’t really so neutral because it’s leaving room for players like Eddy to steer the conversation.”
The league has taken some steps in the right direction by implementing social media and online abuse moderation tools. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient without a clear policy addressing gender eligibility.
Conclusion
The absence of a gender eligibility policy in the NWSL has created an environment where current players, particularly Black and queer individuals, face harassment. The recent call for a clear standard by Elizabeth Eddy highlights the league’s need to address this issue transparently. While the NWSL and NWSLPA are committed to collective bargaining, the debate continues on how best to ensure inclusivity and protect player well-being.
