In the interim, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by women soccer players. A group representing female soccer players filed the suit against the league. The settlement, which is conditional on the USWNT player's union ratifying a new Collective bargainING Agreement, will help stabilize women’s soccer in the United States.
U.S. Soccer agrees to a settlement with women's soccer players
After their lawsuit was resolved out of court, USSF has now reached a settlement agreement with women's players. Carlos Cordeiro, president of the USSF made comments about the difference in skill between women and men that led to the lawsuit. Cordeiro claimed that men are more skilled than women, but that is false. After the allegations were made public, Cordeiro quit his job.
The settlement amounts to $22 million. It will be divided among 28 USWNT members. 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 share a combined total of 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 on the ratification a new collective bargaining agreement of USWNT players
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. This settlement is a huge win for gender equality. Both parties have reached an agreement to extend the current CBA until March 31. At that point, the parties will seek final approval for the settlement.
New collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between the U.S. Soccer Federation, the USWNT players' union and the U.S. Soccer Federation will guarantee equal pay and working conditions for both teams in December 2020. The settlement allows both men and women to be paid according the their performance. In addition, both teams will get equal pay through the pay-to–play system.
In March 2016, a player association representing the USWNT filed a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that the USWNT had been unfairly discriminated against. US Soccer was willing to negotiate and stated in November that players were offered contracts similar to those for the men's teams. The agreement between the two sides will guarantee equal pay and improve the game in the United States for women.
Impact of settlement on future of women's soccer
A federal judge has overturned many aspects of the lawsuit the USWNT players filed against U.S. Soccer. It's not clear whether the settlement will affect women's football in the United States. The settlement does show that the USWNT is paid equally for World Cup victories and other competitive events. The USWNT's latest collective bargaining deal will need to be approved in court.
The players' collective bargaining agreement has been a win-win for women's soccer. It will mean that women's soccer teams will receive a significant rise in their base pay as well as better match bonuses. This could increase the income of some players by up to twofold. Not only will players be paid more, but they will also have full control of their licensing and marketing rights.
It also supports future generations. For example, settlements will allow female players to be eligible for the same benefits as men and provide travel benefits. It will also help to restore trust between players and federations. This will be the first step towards the long-term goal, which is to improve the future of women’s soccer.