Female Football Faces Serious Threats, So Why the Alarm About Trans Players?

On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the league's position unclear.

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

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

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

Additional Urgent Problems Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to penalize a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.