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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

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

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears mostly strong—viewership have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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