In the interim, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by women soccer players. The suit was brought by players who claim that the league discriminates against women players. The settlement, which is contingent on ratification of a new collective bargainING agreement by the USWNT players' union, will help stabilize women's soccer in the United States.
U.S. Soccer reaches an agreement with women's football players
After their lawsuit was resolved out of court, USSF has now reached a settlement agreement with women's players. Carlos Cordeiro, USSF's president, commented on the differences in skill between women & men. This led to the lawsuit. Cordeiro claimed that women are better at math than men. However, this was untrue. After the public revelations, Cordeiro resigned.
The settlement, which is $22million, will be distributed among 28 USWNT players. The $2 million remaining will be donated to a women's soccer charity. This settlement is the result of litigation that was filed against USSF in 2019. It was based on allegations that the USSF discriminates against women. The women's team argued that they were underpaid in comparison to men and were subjected to more dangerous playing conditions.
The women's team is just as popular than their male counterparts. They have a combined 2.1 million Instagram followers. Despite negative publicity surrounding the U.S. Soccer settlement and the loss of their women's team, it remains one among the most popular sports in America.
Settlement contingent upon the ratification of a new collective agreement by USWNT player association
The United States Soccer Federation reached a tentative agreement with the USWNT Players Association. This is subject to the ratification a new collective bargaining arrangement. The settlement is a major win for gender equality in the game. The parties have agreed that the CBA will be extended through March 31, after which the parties will seek final approval.
The U.S. Soccer Federation and USWNT players union have reached a new collective bargaining arrangement (CBA). This will ensure that both teams will receive equal pay and working conditions by December 2020. The settlement makes it clear that both the men's' and women's soccer teams will be paid according to their performance. Additionally, both teams will be equally compensated through pay-to–play systems.
A USWNT player association filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in March 2016 claiming that the USWNT was unfairly discriminated. US Soccer stated that it was willing and able to negotiate, and in November it announced that it had offered the same contract for players as the men’s team. They reached an agreement that will ensure equal pay to players and better the game for women in the United States.
Impact of settlement on future of women's soccer
A federal judge dismissed many aspects in the lawsuit filed by USWNT soccer players against U.S.S. Soccer. It is unclear if the settlement will have an impact on the future of women’s soccer in America. However, it does indicate that the USWNT would be paid equal for World Cup wins and other competitive events. The USWNT's new collective bargaining agreement will have to be approved by the district court.
It has been a win for women's soccer that the players' collective bargaining agreements have been reached. It means that women's teams will now earn a significant increase in base pay, as well as improved match bonuses. This could potentially double the income for some players. Aside from the higher salaries, players will be able now to have control over their marketing and licensing rights.
The settlement also provides support for future generations. The settlement will allow female players to enjoy the same travel and benefits as their male counterparts. It will also rebuild trust between players' federations. This will be the first step toward the long-term goal of improving the future of women's soccer.