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During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by another publication, providing wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly blunted the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to penalize a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.