Womens' Soccer Players to Get Salary Parity with Men

New Agreement with U.S. Soccer Federation ups pay, bonuses and medal money

New York, February 5, 2000 -- After a two-month strike, the United States Women's National Soccer team announced that it has reached a contract agreement with the United States Soccer Federation. The contract -- coming after a storm of media criticism against the USSF -- creates salary parity between the American Men's and Women's National Soccer teams.

This agreement will significantly increase the players' earning potential and provide long-term assurances for the younger players. The new contract raises the salary for "star" players from $3,150 to $5,000 a month ($60,00 per year) newer players will receive $3,500 a month ($42,000 annually). These monetary provisions are on the same level of their male counterparts. In addition, each women player will also receive bonuses of $1,000 - $2,000 for each victory and an appearance fee for each of the 27 preparatory matches leading to the Olympics. The players will make more money depending on how they finish in the medal round of the Olympics.

According to the Associated Press, the team "would split" a $100,000 bonus for reaching the semifinals of the Olympics, $150,000 more for winning the bronze, $300,000 more for winning the silver and $700,000 more for winning the gold.

The new contract contains a severance package of three months pay for players who do not make the team.It also provides for maternity pay. However, the monthly guarantees would disappear with the start" of a women's pro league.

Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia, President of the Soccer Federation said "the more they win, the more they get. This agreement allows our women athletes to remain full-time professional athletes playing soccer and devoted to winning forever, which is our motto."

Mia Hamm, the women's star forward and one of the negotiators said "If it were not for Billie Jean King setting out to get equal pay for women's tennis, we probably would not have had the courage to do what we did today." In the Boston Globe, U.S. team member Carla Overbeck added, "This is a huge step for women in sports. We have been fighting for this for the last 12 years"