Women's Soccer Faces Significant Threats, Yet Why the Alarm About Trans Players?

During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

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

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

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

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though players were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

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