Female Soccer Confronts Serious Threats, So Why the Panic About Transgender Players?
During the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's future stance unclear.
The next day, her writing was shared in full by a different media outlet, giving it broader attention.
“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its growth,” stated Eddy.
The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”
Questioning the Real Risk
It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.
The league's momentum seems largely fine—viewership have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.
Analyzing the Evidence
Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.
In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player 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 thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.
Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm
The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.
In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.
“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 plethora of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”
Other Pressing Problems Facing the League
Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.
- Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
- Player care is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
- Severe climate protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
- Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.
Transgender players were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.
