Cantwell Takes the Field With U.S. Soccer for Signing of Historic Equal Pay Agreement
Cantwell introduced Equal Pay Act that ensures all Team USA athletes—regardless of gender—receive equal pay and benefits in global competition
AUDI FIELD, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following tonight’s U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) match against Nigeria, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined leaders of U.S. Soccer, USWNT and the Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) for the signing of historic Collective Bargaining Agreements which guarantee players are paid equally.
The equal pay disputes inspired the senators’ bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act which would require equal pay and benefits for all Team USA athletes who represent the United States in global athletic competitions, like the Olympics, regardless of gender. It also would require equal payment for medical care, travel and expenses.
Sen. Cantwell, who spoke during the event, said: “Tonight is truly a historic occasion. An agreement is going to be signed that basically puts in equal pay for our female athletes because a group of women athletes, at the pinnacle of their success, had the audacity to say ‘we deserve equal pay for our success.’ I want to thank US Women’s Soccer, and since I come from Seattle where we love soccer, I have to say a special thanks to Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle who signed the original petition to make this case a reality.
“And thank you now to US Soccer, for Cindy’s leadership, in getting this deal done. And making sure that we send a message to all across the United States.
“My colleague is here tonight. I’m a Democrat from Washington state. She’s a Republican from West Virginia. But we are going to use the power of this moment to get national legislation passed so that every young girl in every sport knows that we will have equal pay when it comes to sports in the United States of America. Let’s celebrate!”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team settled their longstanding lawsuit against U.S. Soccer, reaching an agreement on a deal to be compensated at the same rate of pay as the men’s team. The two new Collective Bargaining Agreements, which run through 2028, achieve equal pay through identical economic terms. These economic terms include identical compensation for all competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, and the introduction of the same commercial revenue sharing mechanism for both teams.
The ceremony was emceed by ESPN commentator and World Cup champion Julie Foudy. Fans heard from U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, Men’s National Soccer Team and Women’s National Team players, and a message from tennis legend, Billie Jean King.
Washington state OL Reign players on the USWNT include Rose Lavelle, Alana Cook, Sofia Huerta and Megan Rapinoe, who Sen. Cantwell held a press conference with in 2019.
The bill applies to 50 different sports’ national governing bodies, and it requires the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to conduct oversight and report on compliance with the legislation.
Sens. Cantwell (D-WA) and Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan legislation in July 2021 and it passed the Commerce Committee on June 22, 2022. The legislation is currently awaiting to be brought to a Senate floor for a final vote.
Read the full bill text HERE.
Download Event Photos and Videos.
A list of organizations who support the Equal Pay for Team USA Act is available HERE.
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