U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Scores $24 Million Settlement And Equal Pay For Women’s And Men’s Players

Topline

A California federal judge preliminarily approved the $24 million equal pay settlement between the U.S. Women’s National Team and the U.S. Soccer Federation, helping close an over 5-year-long dispute for wage equality.

Key Facts

Key Background

In 2016, members of the National Women’s Soccer Team filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and sued for damages three years later under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, citing gender discrimination. Players of USWNT have said that they are paid less than male players, though they bring in more revenue for the Federation.

Key Quote:

“The unopposed settlement agreement accomplishes the plaintiffs’ goal for litigation: equal pay,” Klausner wrote in his order. “The court is satisfied that the settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution.”

Big Number

$2.5 million. That’s how much the men’s national soccer team can receive for qualifying for the World Cup. The women’s national team, comparatively, can earn up to $750,000 for qualifying, according to ESPN. During World Cup qualifiers, male players can earn up to $18,125 per player in the final round for each win, but women players get only $3,000 per player for each win.

Further Reading

USWNT, USMNT pay gap explained Comparing their U.S. Soccer contracts as both sides negotiate new CBAs (espn.com)

Equal pay deal for US women’s soccer approved by judge – The Washington Post