The United States women’s soccer team and their management have been fighting for equitable treatment of female players for the past six years. They finally settled on a promise for equalized payment between the men’s and women’s National teams as well as a $24 million payment. 

Several years ago, in 2016, a group of five U.S. women’s National team players, filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over the inequality of pay and treatment between the men’s and women’s teams. This included well known players Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, Hope Solo, and Carli Lloyd. 

Additionally, three years later in 2019, the U.S. women’s National team won the World Cup in Paris. This encouraged 28 members of the USWNT to file a lawsuit for many years of continuous gender discrimination against their players in both services and compensation.

“For us, this is just a huge win in ensuring that we not only right the wrong of the past, but set the next generation up for something we only dreamed of,” Rapinoe said. 

Working to seek change for over six years, these ladies are making history while not only fighting for themselves, but for the future generations of U.S. women’s soccer as well.  

In other news, U.S. soccer has also pledged to equalize pay between the men’s and women’s soccer teams in major competitions such as the World Cup. This could change the lives of women’s National team players through the possibility of millions of dollars being funneled into their organization.  

“That’s what we really set out to do. Equalize all fronts. It’s a proud moment for all of us,” Morgan said. 

The U.S. women’s National team has achieved major success while working to achieve equal treatment and pay to their male counterparts after fighting for so many years. This will not only benefit the players of today, but also change the game for future generations of female athletes.