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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's position unclear.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by a different media outlet, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a elite level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

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