In the interim, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by women soccer players. The lawsuit was filed by a group of players who believe that the league is discriminating against women players. The settlement, contingent on the USWNT's players' union ratifying a new collective agreement, will stabilize women's soccer in America.
U.S. Football settles with women’s players
The USSF has settled with women's soccer players after their lawsuit was settled out of court. Carlos Cordeiro, USSF's president, commented on the differences in skill between women & men. This led to the lawsuit. Cordeiro claimed that men had more skills than women. This was incorrect. After the allegations were made, Cordeiro resigned.
The settlement amounts to $22 million. It will be divided among 28 USWNT members. The $2 million remainder will go to a women’s soccer charity. This settlement ends litigation against the USSF that was filed in 2019. The lawsuit was brought by the USSF claiming that there is gender discrimination in the United States soccer Federation. The women's team claimed they were not paid as much as men and that they were exposed to more dangerous playing conditions.
The women's teams are just as popular and well-known as their male counterparts. Their combined Instagram followers are 2.1 million. Despite all the negative press surrounding U.S. Soccer Settlement, the women’s soccer team remains one the most loved sports in the United States.
Settlement contingent on ratification of new collective bargaining agreement by USWNT players association
The United States Soccer Federation, the USWNT Players Association and the United States Soccer Federation came to a tentative settlement. This agreement is contingent on the ratification by the new collective bargaining agreements. The settlement is a major win for gender equality in the game. The parties have agreed on extending the current CBA to March 31, at which time they will seek final approval.
The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the USWNT players' union will guarantee that both teams will have equal pay and working conditions in 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.
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 announced in November, that it had offered players the same contracts that the men's team and that it would negotiate despite the dismissal. 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 threw out many aspects the lawsuit brought by the USWNT against U.S. Football. It is unclear if the settlement will have an impact on the future of women’s soccer in America. But it does indicate that the USWNT will be paid equally for World Cup wins and for other competitive events. District courts will need to approve the new collective bargaining agreement of the USWNT.
Women's soccer has won with the players' collective bargaining arrangement. It means that women's teams will now earn a significant increase in base pay, as well as improved match bonuses. Some players may see this as doubling their income. Not only will players be paid more, but they will also have full control of their licensing and marketing rights.
Future generations will also benefit from the settlement. Female players will be able to get the same benefits and travel benefits that men. It will also strengthen the trust between players, federations, and each other. This is the first step towards the long-term goal to improve women's soccer's future.