Female Soccer Faces Significant Threats, So Why the Alarm About Transgender Players?
On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.
The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, providing broader exposure.
“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.
Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”
Examining the Actual Threat
It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.
The league's momentum appears largely fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.
Analyzing the Data
Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be similarly negligible.
In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.
Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage
The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.
In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending 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 this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”
Other Urgent Problems Facing the League
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 any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and affected its reputation.
- Employment standards for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop prejudice.
- Player care is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
- Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
- Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players 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 Eddy's suggestions are implemented.