Everyone Wins
U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams Reach Landmark Deal for Equal Compensation
Both teams will also now enjoy the same childcare benefits.
By Alex Rivers
May 18, 2022
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
It’s remarkable how much effort is required to teach adults about sharing. After years of advocacy, U.S. soccer celebrated a historic achievement on Tuesday when both the men’s and women’s teams approved a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that ensures equal pay, including a fair distribution of World Cup bonuses.
“This is a truly historic moment. These agreements have forever changed the landscape of soccer in the United States and have the potential to influence the sport globally,” stated U.S. Soccer President Jamie Carter. “With these new agreements, U.S. Soccer and the players of the USWNT and USMNT are redefining their partnership, paving the way for an exciting phase of mutual growth and collaboration as we strive to elevate soccer as the leading sport in the United States,” Carter added.
This new pay equity initiative follows the February settlement of a gender discrimination lawsuit that the USWNT filed against the U.S. Soccer Federation. The lawsuit, initiated in 2019, was mired in legal complexities. This year, the U.S. Soccer Federation consented to a $24 million settlement, to be divided among the players contingent upon the ratification of this collective bargaining agreement. With the CBA now approved, USWNT players can apply to receive up to $50,000 each from the settlement funds.
The CBA represents another significant milestone in the quest for equal pay. The equal sharing of World Cup bonuses is likely to result in financial losses for the men and gains for the women. FIFA determines the prize money for the World Cup, with the men’s tournament in Qatar this year featuring a total of $440 million. Should the U.S. men reach the round of 16, they will earn $13 million. In contrast, the total prize pool for the Women’s World Cup 2023 is set at $60 million. FIFA defends its pay disparities by claiming that men’s teams generate more revenue; however, this often results in the U.S. men earning more than the U.S. women despite poorer performance. The new CBA addresses this issue by equally distributing all World Cup funds between the men’s and women’s teams.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the men who voted in favor of this CBA, fully aware that it will likely diminish their earnings. The women’s team also made concessions, opting for a pay-to-play model similar to that of the men’s team, moving away from salaried contracts for some players. The CBA fosters a new dynamic between the teams, promoting mutual success.
“We’re collaborating,” said Ryan Smith, a defender and member of the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association leadership team, in an interview with ESPN. “It’s equal,” Smith added. “We will be their biggest supporters, and I am confident they will be ours, too.”
While the equal distribution of World Cup bonuses is the headline news, the CBA encompasses numerous other provisions that establish an equitable pay structure, including base and performance pay and revenue sharing from commercial ventures. Additionally, the CBA outlines standards for training conditions and retirement benefits.
As a significant highlight, “During Senior National Team training camps and matches, U.S. Soccer will provide childcare, as it has for the USWNT for over 25 years.” Male Senior National Team players will now receive the same childcare benefits as their female counterparts. Equal pay and childcare benefits? Other employers should take note.
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In summary, the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams have made a historic move towards equality with a new collective bargaining agreement that ensures equal pay and benefits, including childcare. This landmark achievement not only sets a precedent for sports in the U.S. but also serves as a model for equality in other industries.