The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been navigating a controversial void in its gender eligibility policy for over three years, leaving itself open to scrutiny and debate regarding the participation of transgender and intersex players. While some observers speculated that the league’s silence might indicate a willingness to reevaluate its policies, this lack of action has instead fostered an environment of harassment aimed at its players, particularly those who are Black and queer.
Adding to the dialogue, current NWSL defender Elizabeth Eddy expressed her concerns about the absence of a clear gender eligibility policy in an op-ed published by the New York Post. In her piece, Eddy suggested that players should be required to have been born with ovaries or to undergo gene testing to validate their eligibility. Her remarks have sparked considerable backlash and further discussions about the treatment of players in the league.
In response, a spokesperson for the NWSL emphasized the league’s commitment to engaging with the NWSL Players Association to develop policies that prioritize player voices. The association reiterated its role as a collective advocate for players, asserting that any policy changes would come from a thoughtful and inclusive bargaining process. Angel City FC, where Eddy plays, also distanced itself from her views, underscoring its commitment to equity and the diverse rights of individuals within the league.
Eddy, who has enjoyed significant success in her career, voiced her belief that the league risks losing its identity and momentum without clarifying who it serves. She drew on examples from other women’s sports, highlighting controversies in swimming and track and field involving transgender athletes, and citing policy shifts from various governing bodies as potential templates for the NWSL.
However, critics quickly emerged in response to Eddy’s op-ed, raising concerns about the damaging implications of her words. Julie Kliegman, a commentator on gender and sports, pointed out that the language used by Eddy is not only exclusionary but also detrimental to all athletes. Many players and supporters echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the integrity of the sport relies on championing inclusivity rather than creating divisions based on gender.
The NWSL has been without a formal policy regarding the inclusion of transgender players since it relinquished a policy in early 2022 without any official announcement. This uncertainty has undoubtedly fueled harassment directed at players, as evidenced by past incidents involving public figures and the ongoing struggle to define the league’s values in a transparent manner.
Despite the current chaos surrounding the gender eligibility debate, the NWSL and the Players Association seem poised to work together to establish a more concrete and inclusive policy moving forward. The league has also made strides in other areas, such as implementing social media moderation tools to combat online abuse.
As the NWSL gears up for future discussions on this critical issue, it stands at a crossroads where the opportunity exists to foster an inclusive environment that reaffirms its dedication to all players, while carefully addressing concerns raised by individuals like Eddy. The dialogue surrounding gender eligibility continues to unfold, and with it comes the responsibility to ensure that the values of inclusion and equity are upheld throughout the league.