U.S. Soccer and USWNT players agree to legal settlement on working conditions

CHICAGO – U.S. Soccer has reached an agreement with the U.S. Women’s National Team to resolve the non-compensation related claims raised in current litigation between the USWNT players and U.S. Soccer.

Earlier today, the parties filed in court a proposed settlement by which U.S. Soccer has agreed to implement various policies regarding working conditions for the USWNT team related to hotel accommodations, staffing, venues, and travel.

Below is a statement from U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone:

“This is an important and welcomed moment for U.S. Soccer and the Women’s National Team players. Earlier this year, I stepped into the role as President, and shortly after we hired Will Wilson as our new CEO. We, and the rest of the leadership team at U.S. Soccer, are focused on taking a new approach at the Federation in handling all matters.

“I believe our approach helped us reach this agreement and demonstrates the commitment of U.S. Soccer’s new leadership to find a new way forward with the USWNT. This settlement is good news for everyone and I believe will serve as a springboard for continued progress.

With today’s filing, the USWNT is likely to proceed with an appeal of the court’s ruling on May 1, 2020. We hope today’s positive step forward will result in the USWNT accepting our standing offer to discuss contract options.

“As a former USWNT player, I can promise you that I am committed to equality between the USWNT and USMNT. My goal is, and has always been, to come to a resolution on all equal pay matters and inspire a new era of collaboration, partnership and trust between the USWNT and the Federation.

“Just as important, we want to work with the USWNT on growing women’s soccer here in the United States and across the globe. Part of this is encouraging FIFA to invest equally in the men’s and women’s game, including increasing the World Cup prize money. I will lend my voice and efforts to making this happen not only for the USWNT, but for all women’s national team players and everyone who believes in the women’s game throughout the world.”