Female Soccer Confronts Significant Challenges, Yet Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?

During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by another media outlet, giving it wider attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears largely fine—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

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 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 abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and think that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to penalize a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

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