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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was republished completely by another media outlet, giving it broader exposure.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum seems mostly strong—viewership have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, 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 faced comparable abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.