🔗 Share this article

On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by another media outlet, providing broader attention.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the NWSL

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 surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL 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 issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.