Sometimes a graph is worth a thousands words:
Annual Revenue for Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams
Yes, in 2015 the women’s national soccer team generated more revenue than the men. But still, the women are paid less.
The Law Suit
Five female soccer stars have filed a complaint with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). Saying there is a gender pay gap, they point out that win or lose, men receive $5,000 per “friendly” game while the women get a $1350 bonus only if they win. Meanwhile at the Olympics, the men get a daily allocation of $75, $15 more than the women.
But most crucially, they allege that female players make substantially less than their male counterparts.
And they earn less for more work:
The Pay Divide in Women’s Soccer
At $1.2 million, the highest paid women are in the same range as the men but not the non-stars.
Our Bottom Line: Labor Markets
In labor markets for female athletes, equilibrium pay is far below the men. To shift the demand curve, we need the synergy that more media, consumer and commercial appeal will create…
And an EEOC decision in favor of the women soccer players’ complaint.
My Sources: If you want just one article on how female soccer players are paid, the details in this NY Times discussion are excellent. But Marie Claire perfectly conveys the players’ spirit and, like NPR and USA Today, the facts on the EEOC complaint. Please note that Our Bottom Line was published in a previous sports pay gap post.
As always ,interesting and informative Joel