The U.S. women’s national soccer team just achieved what can be the most meaningful victory in its illustrious legacy, after reaching a historic deal with the U.S. Soccer Federation that closes the gender wage gap and ensures equal pay with the men’s national team.
“This is a truly historic moment,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. “These agreements have changed the game forever here in the United States and have the potential to change the game around the world.”
The U.S. Soccer will become the first Federation in the world to equalize FIFA World Cup prize money for both teams participating in the tournament held every four years. Identical appearance fees and game bonuses, as well as share an equal portion of the profits U.S. Soccer makes from broadcast, partner or sponsorship deals.
Four-time World Cup champions and four-time Olympic gold medal winners, the USWNT is considered by experts as one of the best teams ever in its category.
The U.S men’s national soccer team’s best result is a third place on the first ever World Cup celebrated in Uruguay back in 1930.
The agreements culminated a years-long fight for pay parity and a strong campaign started on 2016 by USWNT stars Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Hope Solo, Carli Lloyd and Becky Sauerbrunn.
