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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position undecided.

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

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will lose its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players currently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have actually blunted the growth and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite teammates were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.