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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different publication, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

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

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally minimal.

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

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.