By: Evan Hong

July 22, 2023 – In recent years, the issue of pay equity and equal treatment in women’s soccer has taken center stage. Players from various national teams have raised their voices and demanded recognition for their talents and efforts. While FIFA has taken steps to address these concerns, the U.S. women’s national soccer team stands out as a beacon of progress in the ongoing battle for fair compensation.

In the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the issue of pay equity has gained significant traction. Demands for equal pay and better working conditions have resonated among players worldwide. The Canadian, English, and Nigerian teams have each voiced their concerns, shedding light on the need for change within the soccer community. The U.S. women’s national team, however, has been at the forefront of this movement for years.

FIFA’s decision to increase the Women’s World Cup prize money to $110 million marks a step in the right direction. The surge in sponsorships and broadcast rights has contributed to this boost, yet the gap between men’s and women’s prize money remains substantial, with the men’s prize fund reaching $440 million. The fight for pay equity led by the U.S. women’s team has triggered changes in how prize money is allocated.

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA will allocate prize money separately for players and federations. This landmark move ensures that players receive a share of the overall prize money, addressing a longstanding issue where much of the prize money went to federations, leaving players with limited compensation. The increased transparency in distributing prize money underscores FIFA’s recognition of the players’ crucial role in the sport’s success.

Alex Morgan, co-captain of the U.S. women’s team, expressed the significance of this change. She highlighted that allocating at least $30,000 to each player is monumental, as players often saw little to no money from federation funds. This shift in distribution is a testament to the power of collective action and advocacy by women players worldwide.

The U.S. women’s team stands apart in their pursuit of equitable compensation. Unlike many other teams, they won’t solely rely on FIFA’s determination of prize money distribution. Through their contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation, the U.S. players have secured a substantially higher tournament prize money than the minimums set by FIFA. Each player stands to earn around $300,000 before even taking the field.

This historic accomplishment results from a new labor agreement signed by the U.S. women’s and men’s teams, wherein both teams equally share the prize money earned at their respective World Cups. While many countries will benefit from FIFA’s revised payment model, the U.S. team’s independent approach sets an exemplary standard for the world to follow.

The U.S. players’ commitment to equity extends beyond prize money. Their labor agreement ensures equal prize money between the men’s and women’s teams, a rarity in the world of sports. U.S. Soccer takes a 10 percent cut from each team, with the rest split evenly. This groundbreaking approach demonstrates the U.S. women’s team’s commitment to advancing equality both on and off the field.

The impact of the U.S. women’s team’s fight for equal pay extends beyond their own roster. FIFA’s decision to separate prize money allocation is a victory for women players globally. However, skepticism remains, particularly among players who historically lacked federation support. Concerns about the transparency and timing of prize money distribution linger, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.

The U.S. women’s national soccer team has set a remarkable precedent for other nations to follow. As the world watches the 2023 Women’s World Cup unfold, it’s clear that the U.S. team’s efforts are driving progress toward a more equitable future for women in soccer. Their unwavering dedication to equal pay and fair treatment serves as an inspiration to all athletes and advocates striving for change in the world of sports and beyond.