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During late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different media outlet, providing broader attention.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum seems mostly fine—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.