USWNT Receives Equal Pay

US Soccer Federation Announces Agreement with Women’s National Team

It has finally happened! The United States Soccer Federation announced earlier this week that it has finally reached an agreed-upon deal to pay the United States Women’s National Soccer team equally to its men’s side.

Since the first foundation of United States national teams, the previous payment terms saw a pay gap that led to female players being paid less. Despite their amazing success and being dubbed one of the best women’s national teams in the world over the past few decades, the game remained.

Previously in February 2022, the Federation settled with the Women’s National team by paying a lump sum of $22 million to female players, as a form of back payment for the historical gender pay gap between the two teams. In addition, another $2 million was placed into a fund for the USWNT players' “post-career goals and charitable efforts, with each player able to apply for up to $50,000.” according to ESPN reports.

This new collective bargaining agreement will run through 2028 and provide equalization in World Cup prize money for both national teams, an agreement that gives both national teams equal pay for their international play. As result, despite revenue differences between the Women’s and Men’s World Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation will pay both teams equal amounts. Previously, it saw the MNT earn more, despite only qualifying for their first world cup in 12 years, earlier this winter.

Further details on the collective bargaining agreement and face sheet can be found here.

A long battle for equality, led by many of the players and the Women’s National Team Players Association has finally come to an equal end, paving the way for future equality in all women’s sports. An inspiration to all young female players in the United States.

Becky Sauerbrunn, the President of the players association and a player on the USWNT said, “We hope that this agreement and its historic achievements in not only providing for equal pay but also in improving the training and playing environment for national team players will similarly serve as the foundation for continued growth of women's soccer both in the United States and abroad.”

This monumental agreement is the first of potentially a global ripple effect that can lead to equal pay and recognition of the immense quality, skill, and entertainment of Women’s sports, inspiring the future players of female sports worldwide.

Published: May 20, 2022 - Issue 39 of The Sport Marketeer