Players on the U.S. women’s national team who spent years fighting for pay equity hailed a settlement from the US Soccer to resolve a discrimination dispute with the team, as well as a commitment to match salary and bonuses to the men’s team.
“We’re going to look back at this moment and think, ‘Wow, what an incredible turning point in US Soccer history that changed the world, really, forever,'” Megan Rapinoe said.
The two sides announced a settlement Tuesday that will see the players split $22 million, about a third of what they had sought in damages.
“I think sometimes it’s very difficult to speak up and articulate the kind of discrimination, abuse, inequality and disrespect that so many women feel so often in their work,” Rapinoe said. “And I think we were able to start to put a voice to it, put a face on it, put talking points on it and put a kind of movement behind it.”
The deal was also a success for federation president Cindy Parlow Cone, a former player who became federation director in March 2020. “Now we can start working with female players to grow this sport because not only they are the best players in the world, they are the best ambassadors of our sport,” said Cone. “I am very happy that we have done this and I am looking forward to working together and turning the page.”
An achievement that goes beyond titles on the pitch
“Each generation has taken up that fight to close the gap and each generation has left this program better for that fight, and we as current players are delighted that this fight has led to the closing of that gap,” said international Becky Sauerbrunn. . “There are many achievements on the pitch, such as World Cups, Olympic Games and league championships, but this will really stand out as one of the most significant moments.”