Full Breakdown
Fans Ejected from Portland Thorns Match Over XX-XY Apparel
9/8/2026, 8:39:23 AM
Incident at Providence Park
On September 6, eight spectators wearing apparel from the brand XX-XY Athletics were escorted out of Providence Park during the Portland Thorns’ match against the Washington Spirit. A stadium employee told the group he had been alerted to “something ‘transphobic’” and that they were “giving out information.” The Thorns organization cited a violation of the venue’s Fan Experience Guidelines, which prohibit the distribution of unapproved materials, as the reason for the removal. Video released by the fans shows a staff member presenting a notice and the group being led to the exit. After leaving the stadium, the same individuals were asked to leave The Sports Bra, a local bar, which said their clothing conveyed “anti-trans messaging.” The Thorns lost the match 1-2, with Trinity Rodman scoring the winner.
Fan Perspective and Opposition
Amy Sousa, a member of the group, contended that no materials were handed out and that the fans only shared printed copies of the NWSL and stadium codes of conduct among themselves. She argued the removal was motivated by political beliefs and that the apparel was covered when they entered the venue.
Context and Wider Debate
The NWSL Code of Conduct bars fans from displaying “threatening, abusive, or discriminatory” symbols based on sex or gender identity. The incident occurs amid a national conversation over whether transgender women should be allowed to compete in women’s sports, a topic that has prompted similar fan-code disputes in other leagues, such as the 2020 Timbers Army bans over Iron Front flags.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During our September 6 match against the Washington Spirit, individuals were removed from Providence Park for distributing unapproved materials, a violation of the Fan Experience Guidelines at the stadium. Our priority remains fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every fan at Providence Park.” — OutKick, the Thorns spokesperson
- “We did not distribute any materials. We came armed with copies of their own code of conduct and we followed it to the letter,” — Amy Sousa, from local activist
- “And our XX/XY Clothes were not visible when we arrived,” — Amy Sousa, from local activist
- “There's two sexes; there's men and there's women,” — Amy Sousa, from local activist
