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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position unclear.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by another media outlet, giving it wider attention.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—viewership have increased each year, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff remain a concern. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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