The United States Soccer Federation makes history by confirming an equitable agreement to pay equal salaries to men’s and women’s teams.
The collective bargaining agreement was announced on Wednesday and will be in force until December 2028. This would put an end to years of negotiations, questions and inequality.
In 2019, the players filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation for gender discrimination. The problem reached larger scales and remained in court for some years. However, today a resolution was reached: labor contracts that equalize salaries and bonuses between the two men’s and women’s teams.
I’m so proud of the girls who will see this growing up and recognize their worth instead of having to fight for it. My dad always told me that we don’t get rewarded for doing what we’re supposed to do, but what we’re supposed to do is pay men and women equally. I am grateful for this achievement and for all the people who joined.
– Margaret Purce, forward for NJ/NY Gotham FC of the United States National Women’s Soccer League
The agreement established the grouping of FIFA payments for the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The same would apply for the 2026 and 2027 tournaments.
They said equal pay for men and women was not possible, but that didn’t stop us and we went and did it. We hope this awakens others to the need for this kind of change and inspires FIFA and others to move the world in the same direction.
– Walker Zimmerman, member of the group of leaders of the union of soccer players in the USA, USNSTPA
In addition to the payment, the players will receive an equal percentage of collective profits paid by FIFA. They will also receive the same quality of accommodation and personal supplies as the men’s team. The agreement will remain in force until December 2028; from this date, it could have changes.