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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was republished completely by a different publication, giving it broader exposure.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—viewership have increased each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.