Where The USWNT’s Fight For Equal Pay Stands Now

In 2019, the US Women’s National Team made all kinds of headlines with their fight for equal pay. While it gained the most attention two years ago, this fight has been going on since 2016. Since 2020 was what it was, it’s understandable if you’ve lost track of their progress. So here is where the USWNT currently stands in their equal pay lawsuit. 

Let’s start with a quick recap:

• 2016: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Hope Solo filed a formal complaint on the grounds of wage disparity between their male counterparts against the United States Soccer Federation to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• 2017: the US Women’s National Team signed a five-year bargaining agreement that promised to improve travel and hotel conditions, maternity-related support, and, above all, pay.
• 2019: things got real. The USWNT file a class-action lawsuit, including past players and totaling over 50 people, against the U.S. Soccer Federation. Mediation began in August between the USSF and the USWNT. After just one week and no results, a court date was set for May 2020. 

That court date has come and gone and, unfortunately, not favorably for the US Women. The judge ruled against the claims of discrimination the USWNT alleged based on rights to payment and workplace equity set down by Titles VII and IX. 

But if there’s one thing we all know, it’s to never count this team out. Shortly after that ruling came down, the USWNT filed an appeal. These motions give the lawsuit some hope that if the appeal is granted, they will be able to revisit the ruling against their Equal Pay Act claims and reschedule the upcoming district court trial. This lawsuit has been incredibly contentious, both in the courtroom and in the media. 

As of now, the lawsuit is at a bit of a standstill. With the pandemic still on and appeals taking time to come through, and the lengthy nature of the judicious system in general, it could take time before a final resolution is reached. 

While the lawsuit itself is stalled for the moment, this battle has inspired people in power to take a stand. Congresswomen Doris Matsui of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have introduced the Give Our Athletes Level Salaries Act, or the GOALS Act. This bill aims to do exactly what the USWNT and the EEOP are striving toward, fair and equitable wages for all. 

The representatives behind the GOALS Act aren’t the only politicians standing behind the USWNT. President Biden tweeted his support of the team after the May 2020 decision went against them:

To @USWNT: don’t give up this fight. This is not over yet.

To @USSoccer: equal pay, now. Or else when I'm president, you can go elsewhere for World Cup funding. https://t.co/XK6t9oM94k

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 2, 2020

And in 2021, Biden continued to show his support by hosting Megan Rapinoe and Midge Purce on Equal Pay Day:

There is still work to be done across all levels of sports to create true fairness. This work is being done now by the brave women–who have brought home more gold than their male counterparts have ever even had a chance at–so that the socceristas they are inspiring today get what they deserve. The people behind this battle are pushing for a better future for anyone who steps on the pitch or laces up their cleats. 

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