The stark difference between men’s and women’s soccer salaries has been a topic of much debate. This article delves into the income disparity at various levels, from professional leagues to World Cup prize money, highlighting the ongoing fight for equal pay.
Male and female athletes running on track
The Gender Pay Gap in Professional Soccer
Despite the growing popularity of women’s soccer, a significant pay gap persists compared to the men’s game. This discrepancy is evident in league salaries and international competitions.
League Salaries: MLS vs. NWSL
Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have vastly different salary structures. While both leagues operate under salary caps, the figures reveal a substantial gap.
| Year | League | Minimum Salary | Maximum Salary | Team Salary Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | MLS | $46,500 | $600,000* | $2,950,000 |
| 2013 | NWSL | $6,000 | $30,000 | $200,000 |
| 2023 | MLS | $85,444 | $651,250* | $4,900,000 – $5,210,000 |
| 2023 | NWSL | $36,400 | $200,000 | $1,375,000 |
*Excluding designated players and targeted allocation money.
Although salaries in both leagues have increased, the disparity remains substantial. The difference in team salary budgets has decreased by 30% since 2020, indicating slow progress towards closing the gap.
FIFA World Cup Prize Money
The pay gap extends to the international stage, with a significant difference in prize money for the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups.
| Year | Tournament | Total Prize Money | Winner’s Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010/2011 | Men’s World Cup | $420 million | $30 million |
| 2010/2011 | Women’s World Cup | $5.8 million | $1 million |
| 2018/2019 | Men’s World Cup | $400 million | $38 million |
| 2018/2019 | Women’s World Cup | $30 million | $4 million |
| 2022/2023 | Men’s World Cup | $440 million | $42 million |
| 2022/2023 | Women’s World Cup | $110 million | $10.5 million |
FIFA significantly increased the women’s prize pool for the 2023 World Cup, but it still pales in comparison to the men’s. While progress has been made, many argue it’s insufficient.
The US Women’s National Team’s Fight for Equal Pay
The US Women’s National Team (USWNT), a dominant force in women’s soccer, has been at the forefront of the fight for equal pay. Their ongoing battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation includes a 2016 wage-discrimination complaint and a 2018 class-action lawsuit. A $24 million settlement was reached in 2022, ensuring equal pay going forward, but falling short of the $67 million sought.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle for Pay Equity
While some progress has been made in closing the gender pay gap in soccer, significant disparities remain. The fight for equal pay continues at both the league and international levels. Increased investment in women’s soccer, greater transparency in financial reporting, and continued advocacy are crucial to achieving true pay equity in the sport.
