NEW YORK: U.S. Soccer (USSF) and the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) players Tuesday announced an agreement to resolve a six-year legal battle over equal pay.
The deal will see US women soccer players split $22 million plus bonuses that match those of their male counterparts.
The compensation agreed is about one-third of what they had sought in damages, CBS Sports reports.
The USSF also agreed to establish a fund with $2 million to benefit the players in their post-soccer careers and charitable efforts aimed at growing the sport for women.
The parties released the following joint statement on the settlement agreement: “We are pleased to announce that, contingent on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement, we will have resolved our longstanding dispute over equal pay and proudly stand together in a shared commitment to advancing equality in soccer.
“Getting to this day has not been easy. The U.S. Women’s National Team players have achieved unprecedented success while working to achieve equal pay for themselves and future athletes.
“Today (Tuesday), we recognize the legacy of the past USWNT leaders who helped to make this day possible, as well as all of the women and girls who will follow. Together, we dedicate this moment to them. We look forward to continuing to work together to grow women’s soccer and advance opportunities for young girls and women in the United States and across the globe.”
Deal breakdown as per CBS Sport
From USSF:
USSF will pay $22 million to the players in this case.
The amount will be distributed in a manner proposed by the players and approved by the district court.
USSF will pay $2 million into an account to benefit the players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to soccer.
Each player can apply for up to $50,000 from the fund.
When would the deal be fully approved?
Final approval of this settlement needs to come from the district court and will be settled once a new CBA is agreed upon and ratified between the USWNT and USSF.
Once ratified and there is final approval from the court, the agreement will fully resolve the litigation
U.S. Soccer noted that claims related to working conditions were resolved in December of 2020.
