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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another publication, providing broader exposure.

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

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

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated 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 trans players set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.