2022 – Equal Pay Agreement Reached

In February 2022, the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) and the U.S. Soccer Federation reached a landmark $24 million settlement in their equal pay lawsuit. The agreement included $22 million in back pay to the players and an additional $2 million to support post-career initiatives and charitable efforts related to women's soccer. The federation committed to equalizing pay between the men's and women's national teams moving forward, including equal compensation for friendlies, tournaments, and World Cup participation (Das 2022).

This settlement marked a significant victory in the USWNT's prolonged fight for gender equity, as they were able to transform symbolic protests into institutional change. By leveraging their on-field success and public support, the players effectively challenged and restructured systemic inequalities within U.S. Soccer. The agreement rectified past disparities while setting a precedent for equal treatment in sports. This win reinforces the team's role as pioneers in the broader movement for labor rights and gender equality.