Women's Soccer Faces Serious Threats, So Why the Panic About Trans Athletes?

On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

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

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

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—viewership have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. 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 key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though teammates were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.