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During late October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement 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 league's position undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by another publication, providing wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity 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 NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears largely fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

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

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.