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On the end of 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 discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position unclear.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, providing wider attention.

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

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

Examining the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football landscape.

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

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

The article 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 openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly bans trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

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

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to penalize a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.