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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's position undecided.

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

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

The league's momentum seems mostly strong—viewership have increased each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, 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 ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

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

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- 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.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.