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. Tennis, for instance, has been dominated for centuries by men. Women have not enjoyed the same opportunities in tennis or basketball historically. In a 60-metre race, women have not had the same opportunities. There are two main reasons: biology and scheduling.
Women's national soccer team fights to 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 USSF argued that women were more likely to play than men and therefore should be paid the same amount as the men. However, the women's National Team rejected this argument.
The women's team of national soccer has been vocal in their advocacy for equal pay. Fans of the team sing "equal play" at every professional match. In addition, the team has testified before House Oversight Committee, emphasizing how long women must work in order to earn equal pay.
Analyse of the USWNT battle for equality
Analyzing the USWNT struggle for equal pay, we examine the players' stories. The USWNT is a sport with a long history that has seen its players underpaid and valued. The USWNT lawsuit seeks remedy for this inequality, both on the field and off it. Players' stories also show the need to increase legislation to close the gender pay gap.
The USWNT was founded by a lawsuit against United States Soccer Federation. The players sought equal pay for equal play, a campaign that has been ongoing since 2015. The players also sought corporate sponsorships and social media posts to further their campaign. The USWNT gained international attention and received public support during and before the World Cup.
The USWNT was able to take significant steps in equality advocacy after the lawsuit. Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd, who are strong captains, have spoken out about the issue. They also spoke out about equal pay in sport.
California bill to require equal prize pool for sporting competitions held on public land
California's legislature has passed a bill requiring equal prize pools for sport competitions on state lands and local lands. Assemblymember Tasha B. Horvath drafted this new law. She recognized the need to close the gender pay gap in sport. She said that competition arenas are athletes’ workplaces and that women and men should share the same prize money.
The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September. It applies only to sports competitions held on California state lands and will not affect private events. Examples of such events include professional surfing competitions that take place on state beaches and bicycle races that take place on state roads. Such events require permits.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions that allow for expanded gambling on tribal lands. If passed the legislation will allow horse racing tracks and casinos in California to accept legal sports bets. This would allow Californians with gambling licenses to place wagers on these events.