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 is contingent upon the ratification by the USWNT players union of a new collective bargainING arrangement. This will help stabilize women soccer in the United States.
U.S. soccer settles 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, USSF's president, commented on the differences in skill between women & men. This led to the lawsuit. Cordeiro claimed that men are more skilled than women, but that is false. After the allegations were made, Cordeiro resigned.
The settlement is $22 million and will be distributed to 28 players on the USWNT. The $2 million remainder will go to a women’s soccer charity. The settlement resolves litigation that was filed in 2019 against the USSF on the grounds that gender discrimination exists in the United States soccer federation. The women's team argued that they were underpaid in comparison to men and were subjected to more dangerous playing conditions.
The women's side has been just as popular as the men's. Their combined Instagram followers are 2.1 million. Despite negative press surrounding U.S. Soccer settlements, the women's football team remains one of most popular in the United States.
Settlement contingent on the ratification a new collective bargaining agreement of USWNT players
The United States Soccer Federation (USWNT Players Association) reached a tentative settlement. It is contingent on the ratification and implementation of a new collective agreement. The settlement is a major victory for gender equality in soccer. Parties have agreed to extend current CBA through March 31. After that, 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. Both the women's and men's teams will receive equal pay through pay-to play systems.
A player association representing the USWNT filed in March 2016 a complaint with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming that the USWNT was discriminatory. US Soccer, despite dismissing the complaint in March 2016, indicated that it was open to negotiations and announced in November that they had offered the same contracts to players as the men's soccer team. The two sides made an agreement that will ensure equal pay for players and improve the game for women in the United States.
Impact of settlement on future of women's soccer
A federal judge has thrown out many aspects of the lawsuit that the USWNT players brought against U.S. Soccer. It's not clear whether the settlement will affect women's football in the United States. However, it does indicate that the USWNT would be paid equal for World Cup wins and other competitive events. District courts will need to approve the new collective bargaining agreement of the USWNT.
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. Some players may see this as doubling their income. In addition to the increased salaries, the players will also now be able to exercise control over their licensing and marketing rights.
The settlement also provides support for future generations. For instance, the settlement will make it possible for female players to receive the same benefits and travel benefits as men. It will also restore trust between federations and players. This will be a first step towards the long term goal of improving the future women's soccer.