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During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different media outlet, providing wider exposure.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

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

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and believe that trans inclusion represents a real problem 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 reputation.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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