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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's position unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by another media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

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

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

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

Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

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

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain 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, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.