Equal pay for equal playing is a good idea. However, this concept only works if both sexes have equal opportunities in sport. The sport of tennis, for example, has been dominated by men for centuries. Basketball and tennis were not the same for women historically. Women have not had the same opportunities in a 60-metre race, either. This is due to two factors: biology and scheduling.
Women's national soccer team fights to equal pay
A lawsuit by the United States Women's National Soccer Team was dismissed on the grounds that the USSF did not discriminate against females. USSF had argued women were more likely play than men and therefore were entitled to the exact same pay structure. The argument was rejected by the women's national teams, who argued that the CBA they were offered did not offer the same compensation as for the men's team.
The women's soccer team was vocal in its advocacy for equal pay and equal playing. The team's fans chant "equal Pay" at all professional games. They have also testified before Congress to highlight the difficulty of earning equal pay for women.
An analysis of the USWNT fight to equality
Analyzing the USWNT struggle for equal pay, we examine the players' stories. The USWNT has a long tradition of being underpaid and undervalued in sport. This inequality is addressed by the USWNT lawsuit. The player's experiences highlight the need of increased legislation to close this gender pay gap.
The USWNT's fight for equal pay started with a lawsuit filed against the United States Soccer Federation. The players wanted equal pay for the same play. This campaign has been ongoing ever since 2015. The players also sought corporate sponsorships and social media posts to further their campaign. The USWNT attracted international attention and has received support from the public before and after the World Cup.
The USWNT was able to take significant steps in equality advocacy after the lawsuit. Their strong captains, including Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, and Alex Morgan, have been vocal about this issue. They have also spoken publicly about the importance of equal pay in sports.
California bill mandates equal prize pools in sports competitions on public lands
California's legislature passed a bill to require equal prize pools in sports competition on both state and local lands. Assemblymember Tasha B. Horvath drafted this new law. She recognized the need to close the gender pay gap in sport. She claimed that competition arenas can be considered athletes' workplaces. Therefore, the prize money should be shared equally between men and women.
The bill was unanimously passed and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 8. It applies only to sports competitions held on California state lands and will not affect private events. It can be used to permit professional surfing on state beaches as well as cycling races on state roads. Such events require permits.
The bill also includes provisions to allow the expansion of gambling on tribal lands. If passed the legislation will allow horse racing tracks and casinos in California to accept legal sports bets. This legislation would allow Californians to bet on these events while also ensuring that the state's gambling laws are not violated.