Pay Disparity

The noticeable pay gap between women and men has been an ongoing issue at the workplace and has recently received increased spotlight. Women have come a long way to prove their worth, break molds as well as change stereotypes. Though not initially apparent, this topic is prevalent in sports as well. Even in the recent success of the women’s senior national soccer team in the Women’s World Cup, there is still a pay disparity. This is their second World Cup win in 8 years and despite the men not having won a single World Cup, the men still earn up to 38% more than the women.

Though it may initially seem unjust, the fact is most soccer fans tend to be more attracted to men’s events which helps generate substantial revenue to the detriment of women. For example, during some group stage games during this last women’s world cup some games had the stadium half full compared to the last men’s World Cup in which each game was almost sold out. Who can we blame for this? Are the fans, marketers, sponsors, U.S Soccer Federation, team owners, players responsible? I’ll leave you to answer that. In the US this is an exception, as the Women’s team brings overall more revenue compared to that of the men’s team. Despite this US women’s soccer players are still making less than the men.

This has gained traction to the extent that a lawsuit has been filed against the US Soccer Federation requesting them to take charge and make the changes necessary to achieve pay equality. This lawsuit has the support of many of the higher ups [senators] to the extent of their willingness to withhold funds for developmental projects for the FIFA Men’s World Cup Tournament in 2026 hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada (with predominance in the United States).In my personal opinion, soccer fans are the problem and have contributed to this pay gap. Even though women’s soccer typically goes at a slower pace than that of men’s soccer, true soccer fans should support no matter the gender. The U.S Soccer Federation will have to work their end with transparency to ensure this happens as well.  With equal support behind both sides of this equation, together we can make this pay equality happen.