While equal pay for equal play sounds like a great idea, it is only possible if both sexes have the same opportunities to participate in sports. The sport of tennis, for example, has been dominated by men for centuries. Women have not enjoyed the same opportunities in tennis or basketball historically. Women also have not had equal opportunities in the 60-metre races. Biology and scheduling are the reasons.
Women's national soccer team fights for equal pay
A lawsuit brought in by the United States women’s national soccer team was dismissed. This was due to the USSF's assertion that it does not discriminate. USSF had claimed that women are more likely to play soccer than men and therefore should be paid the same salary. The women's national team rebutted this argument, arguing the CBA offered did not provide the same compensation as that for men.
The women's team of national soccer has been vocal in their advocacy for equal pay. Fans of the team chant "equal pay" at every professional game, and the team has also testified before the House Oversight Committee, pointing out how much longer women must work to earn equal pay as men.
Analyse of the USWNT battle for equality
Analyzing the USWNT struggle for equal pay, we examine the players' stories. The USWNT has had a long history being undervalued and poorly paid in sport. The USWNT lawsuit aims to address this inequality both on and off the pitch. The experiences of the players highlight the need to improve legislation in order close the gender pay disparity.
The USWNT began its fight for equal pay with a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation. The players demanded equal pay for equal play. This campaign has been ongoing since 2015. The players also sought corporate sponsorships and social media posts to further their campaign. In the end, the USWNT was able to draw international attention and gain public support prior to and during the World Cup.
The USWNT has made great strides to fight for equality in the sport as a result of this lawsuit. Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd, who are strong captains, have spoken out about the issue. They also spoke publicly about the importance for equal pay in sporting activities.
California bill mandates equal prize pools in sports competitions on public lands
The California legislature has just passed a bill to mandate equal prize pools for sports competition on state and local lands. Assemblymember Tasha B. Horvath drafted this new law. She recognized the need to close the gender pay gap in sport. She argued that competition arenas are athletes' workplaces and that the prize money for men and women should be equal.
The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September. It only applies to state-owned sports events and does not affect private events. This includes professional surfing competitions at state beaches or cycling races on state roads. However, such events will still require a permit.
The bill also includes provisions for allowing the expansion of gambling in tribal lands. If passed the legislation will allow horse racing tracks and casinos in California to accept legal sports bets. This legislation would allow Californians to bet on these events while also ensuring that the state's gambling laws are not violated.