The U.S. Soccer Federation has agreed to settle a women's soccer lawsuit, pending the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with the USWNT players' union. A group of female players filed the lawsuit against the league, claiming that it discriminates against them. 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 settled outside of court, the USSF has reached an agreement with women's football players. Carlos Cordeiro (the president of USSF) made the comments about the skill differences between men and women that led to the lawsuit. Cordeiro claimed that men had more skills than women. This was incorrect. After the allegations became public, Cordeiro resigned.
The settlement is $22 million and will be distributed to 28 players on the USWNT. The remaining $2 million will support a women’s soccer charity. This settlement ends litigation that was filed in 2019 against USSF. It involved allegations of gender discrimination at 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 team is just as popular than their male counterparts. They have a combined 2.1 million Instagram followers. Despite the negative press surrounding the U.S. Soccer settlement, the women's team remains one of the most popular sports in the United States.
Settlement contingent upon ratification by the USWNT players association of a new collective bargaining arrangement
The United States Soccer Federation was able to reach a tentative deal with the USWNT Players Association. However, this settlement is subject to the ratification or modification of a collective bargaining agreement. This settlement is a huge win for gender equality. Parties have agreed to extend current CBA through March 31. After that, they will seek final approval.
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.
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 was willing to negotiate and stated in November that players were offered contracts similar to those for the men's teams. The two sides made an agreement that will ensure equal pay for players and improve the game for women in the United States.
The impact of settlement on the future of women's football
A federal judge has dismissed many of the claims that USWNT players made against U.S. soccer. It is not clear if the settlement will impact the future development of women's soccer within the United States. But it does indicate that the USWNT will be paid equally for World Cup wins and for other competitive events. The USWNT's new collective bargaining agreement will have to be approved by the district court.
The collective bargaining agreement between players and managers has been a win-win situation for women's football. It means that women's clubs will see a significant increase of base pay and better match bonuses. This could double the income of some players. Aside from the higher salaries, players will be able now to have control over their marketing and licensing rights.
The settlement provides support for 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 a first step towards the long term goal of improving the future women's soccer.