The 2019 World Cup saw the US women’s soccer team suffer a disappointing performance. However, amidst the disappointment, the team received a record-breaking $3.25 million payout. This substantial sum is the result of a groundbreaking agreement made in 2019 between the USWNT and the US Soccer Federation. The agreement ensures equal pay for the women’s team compared to their male counterparts, with the prize money from their respective World Cups being split evenly between the two teams. Under this agreement, the players receive 90% of the payout, while the federation retains 10%.
Despite their unexpected exit in the quarterfinals against Sweden during the 2022-2023 tournament held in Australia and New Zealand, the USWNT still managed to earn a staggering $7.3 million, according to Fortune. This represents the largest payout ever received by the two-time defending champions of the women’s tournament, despite their earliest exit in history.
It’s worth noting that the US women’s team secured a $3.3 million payout despite their elimination from the World Cup in the 16th round, which is earlier than ever before. This successful payday can be attributed to the equal-pay agreement established in 2019 with the US Soccer Federation, further highlighting the significance of this groundbreaking deal. The team’s exit from the tournament occurred after a penalty shootout, yet their impressive payout of $3.25 million demonstrates the financial success of the USWNT.
Additionally, the players saw their paychecks increase following the US men’s team’s achievement of a $13 million payout from their quarterfinal run in the World Cup last November. As a result of the equal-pay deal, the USWNT received $5.85 million, while the federation received $650,000. The substantial difference in earnings can be attributed to the larger prize money allocated to the men’s tournament due to its higher global popularity.
The US women’s team faced various controversies and challenges during the World Cup, both on and off the field. They were criticized for their performance, as well as for apparent refusals to sing the national anthem before their matches. Longtime star Megan Rapinoe faced scrutiny after missing her penalty kick in the final game and appearing to smirk. Ironically, it was Rapinoe’s vocal advocacy for equal pay in the sport that contributed to the team receiving a significant consolation prize.
Rapinoe has been a prominent figure throughout her career and has been involved in several noteworthy events. She declined a White House trip following the team’s victory in the 2019 World Cup and began kneeling during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick in 2015. Despite her controversial reputation, Rapinoe and her teammates are now reaping the rewards of their fight for equal pay.
Donald Trump, a frequent target of Rapinoe’s criticism and a known critic of the team, took the opportunity to make negative remarks about her after their loss to Sweden. He accused several players of openly displaying hostility towards America, a sentiment he claimed no other country exhibited. Trump’s remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social, garnered attention and criticism. Megyn Kelly also pointed fingers at Rapinoe, stating that she had poisoned the entire team against the country they represent.
Throughout the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand, the US women’s team struggled to score goals, which proved to be their biggest challenge on the field. Nonetheless, their journey and the financial success they achieved underscore the importance and impact of their fight for equal pay.
In conclusion, despite their early exit from the World Cup, the US women’s soccer team received a record-breaking payout thanks to their equal-pay agreement, illustrating the significant progress made in promoting gender equality in the sport.
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