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During late October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by a different media outlet, providing broader exposure.

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—viewership have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

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

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook all that and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.