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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by a different publication, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

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

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Six former club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, despite players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.