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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different media outlet, giving it wider attention.

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

The article broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, 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 increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“That article does not speak 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 discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

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

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to penalize a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.