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U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association announced today in a joint statement that the two sides have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The agreement will be for five years and run through 2021.
Joint Statement from U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Women's National Team Players Association:
"We are pleased to announce that U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Women's National Team Players Association have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement which will continue to build the women's program in the U.S, grow the game of soccer worldwide, and improve the professional lives of players on and off the field. We are proud of the hard work and commitment to thoughtful dialogue reflected through this process, and look forward to strengthening our partnership moving forward."
Megan Rapinoe said in the statement:
“I am incredibly proud of this team and the commitment we have shown through this entire process,” said U.S. midfielder Megan Rapinoe in a joint statement released by the two sides. “While I think there is still much progress to be made for us and for women more broadly, I think the WNTPA should be very proud of this deal and feel empowered moving forward.”
Sunil Gulati added:
“We believe this is another important step to continue our longstanding efforts to drive the growth of women’s soccer in the United States. This agreement helps to ensure the strength of the women’s national team, provide stability and growth potential for the National Women’s Soccer League, and over time strengthen the elite player development process at the grassroots level. We believe our continued partnership will ensure a bright future for our sport for years to come.”
According to Sports Illustrated, the new CBA offers improvements in NWSL salaries, a significant increase in direct compensation for USWNT players, and enhanced “lifestyle” benefits. It also increases USWNT players’ per diems that equal the USMNT.
We’ll have plenty more to come on this news soon.