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During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online post in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different media outlet, providing broader exposure.

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

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

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—viewership have increased each year, and growth 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 success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple trans players: 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 thousandth player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed 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 playing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent 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 transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.