Urges U.S. Soccer Federation to provide equitable treatment to U.S. Women's National Team.
The resolution emphasizes that the women’s team has generated more revenue than their male counterparts, including approximately $20 million more in 2015. However, they receive significantly lower pay and inferior conditions. Notably, male players earn bonuses for performance in matches whereas female players receive considerably less, or nothing at all for losses. The call for equal treatment reflects broader concerns about gender wage disparity not just in sports, but across the workforce.
SJR49 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced in New Jersey that urges the U.S. Soccer Federation to provide equitable treatment to the United States Women's National Team (USWNT). It highlights significant pay discrepancies between the U.S. Men's National Team and the women's team, despite the women's team having achieved superior success in international competitions. The resolution indicates that the USWNT has won four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals, while the men's team has not advanced to the final stages of these tournaments.
In conclusion, SJR49 aims to compel the U.S. Soccer Federation to take meaningful steps towards providing equal pay and treatment for the USWNT. It seeks to send a powerful message advocating for gender equity in sports and beyond, aligning with contemporary movements pushing for fair treatment and equitable wages for all women.
A core point of contention in the resolution is the impact of unequal pay as a representation of systemic gender inequality. The USWNT’s experience, including having to play on artificial turf, contrasts sharply with the assured conditions for the men's team, demonstrating a clear disparity in treatment. This resolution proposes that by correcting these imbalances within the sport, the U.S. Soccer Federation will lead by example in advocating for gender wage equality across all sectors.