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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, providing broader exposure.

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory appears largely strong—viewership have increased each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly blunted the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.