U.S. Soccer Becomes First in the Sport to Equalize Pay for Men and Women A landmark agreement makes the U.S. the first in the sport to truly equalize pay for men and women.

By Madeline Garfinkle Edited by Amanda Breen

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the United States Women's National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) and the United States National Soccer Team Players Association (USNSTPA) have come to an agreement of historic magnitude: equalizing pay for men and women's teams — including a split of the World Cup prize money.

The agreement is a victory that comes after a decades long fight by the USWNT for equal compensation and recognition.

Related: U.S. Women's Soccer Settles Equal-Pay Lawsuit: A Timeline

"For me, I feel very humbled to join this fight that has been going on years before I even touched a ball. Before I was born, actually," said Midge Purce, a member of the USWNT's bargaining committee, per USA TODAY Sports.

The split of the World Cup prize money is in part the most monumental part of the deal, as it has historically been a point of contention for the USWNT. Regardless of performance or success, the disparity of FIFA prize money would always leave the USWNT with a significantly smaller sum.

The new deal will put 90% of winnings in a pool that will be split by both the men and women's teams.

Not only does the new agreement promise matching pay and prize money split, but it is also the first in the sport to reach this level of equalization, setting an example and standard for others to follow.

"This is a truly historic moment," said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone in a statement on Wednesday. "These agreements have changed the game forever here in the United States and have the potential to change the game around the world."

Related: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From the Victorious U.S. Women's Soccer Team, and a Lot of Other Women Athletes

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.