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On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the organization's position unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, giving it broader exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—viewership have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

The article is written 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 playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.