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On late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

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

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple trans players: 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 celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

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

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, even though players were visibly 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 league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.