Press Release

Landmark U.S. Soccer Collective Bargaining Agreement Makes International History for Equal Pay in Professional Sports

Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the new collective bargaining agreement between U.S. Soccer and the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association (USNSTPA) and the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) Players Association: 

Thanks to a union contract, the soccer players representing the men’s and women’s national teams will receive equal pay for their equal work for the first time ever. This landmark agreement shows the world that by organizing and fighting together, collective bargaining can create tangible change for gender equity.

Much of this incredible progress is owed to the trailblazing women who have been at the forefront of the fight to achieve equal pay and respect in sports for generations. From the U.S. Women’s National Teams of 1991 and 1999 to champions like Serena and Venus Williams and Billie Jean King to the sold-out crowds in the stands chanting for equal pay to workers on the factory floor who know that we win when we are united in solidarity.

Tomorrow, the work continues both on and off the field, but today we celebrate. Because history has been made and #ItsAboutTime. 

Contact: Kalina Newman, 202-637-5018