Soccer Paid Analysis
Soccer is often called “The Beautiful Game.” It is an incredible sport that brings together people of all different religions, races, and cultures. However, when one begins to discuss the politics of soccer, it can be anything but beautiful and incredible. There is a major salary gap between men and women soccer players. This gap is a more prevalent problem today because the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is bringing in more revenue than the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). The USWNT has also had a more successful career, winning the majority of their games within the last year. These points and other factors prove that they USWNT deserves more monetary recognition. The USWNT and the USMNT are both paid by the US Soccer
Federation (USSF). However, both teams have different pay plans. The highest paid women on the team are paid a base salary of $72,000. They also earn a bonus of $1,350 for every game they win. In contrast, the men’s team earn on a pay-for-play system. This means that a player is only paid if they play in an official game. However the men are paid $5,000 per game with a $8,166 bonus if they win. A yearly season consists of 28 games. This would estimate that the men’s team would make $140,000 in a year even if they lost every game, as compared to the women’s $72,000. (Das)
The wage gap would be less prevalent if the men’s team was bringing in an equal revenue, if not more, to their expenses. The men’s team is projected to be $1 million in deficit in 2017. Whereas the women are projected, and on their way, to bringing in $5.2 million. This shows that the women’s team is clearly more profitable. (Santhanam)
Another factor that proves why women deserve equal compensation is their record. The USMNT has never won a World Cup. The highest they have ever accomplished is placing third in the World Cup of 1930. On quite the contrary, the USWNT has won three World Cups in the past 25 years alone. Also, in every year they did not place first, they still won second or third (Dyce). The USWNT won 20 of it 28 games last year. Whereas the USMNT won 10 of their 28 games. In the past 4 years alone, the USWNT has won 80% of their games. The USMNT has only won 56%.This shows that the women’s team has been much more successful in their career.
There are many ways to find a solution to this problem. Some researchers have suggested creating a ratio that equally compares expenses to revenue to salary. This would ensure that players would receive what they have earned, not what they are worth. Others have considered setting one amount for all players, regardless of who they play for. This could also be a viable solution; however it would be difficult to find a salary that all players would agree to. Although some have suggested a few outlandish ways, these two are the most likely to be successful. (Dure)
The wage gap between men and women is a problem that should be taken very seriously. Everyone should be working together to find a solution to this problem. However, we can’t forget what soccer is really about. It’s a wonderful sport that encourages peace and harmony between all who play.
Federation (USSF). However, both teams have different pay plans. The highest paid women on the team are paid a base salary of $72,000. They also earn a bonus of $1,350 for every game they win. In contrast, the men’s team earn on a pay-for-play system. This means that a player is only paid if they play in an official game. However the men are paid $5,000 per game with a $8,166 bonus if they win. A yearly season consists of 28 games. This would estimate that the men’s team would make $140,000 in a year even if they lost every game, as compared to the women’s $72,000. (Das)
The wage gap would be less prevalent if the men’s team was bringing in an equal revenue, if not more, to their expenses. The men’s team is projected to be $1 million in deficit in 2017. Whereas the women are projected, and on their way, to bringing in $5.2 million. This shows that the women’s team is clearly more profitable. (Santhanam)
Another factor that proves why women deserve equal compensation is their record. The USMNT has never won a World Cup. The highest they have ever accomplished is placing third in the World Cup of 1930. On quite the contrary, the USWNT has won three World Cups in the past 25 years alone. Also, in every year they did not place first, they still won second or third (Dyce). The USWNT won 20 of it 28 games last year. Whereas the USMNT won 10 of their 28 games. In the past 4 years alone, the USWNT has won 80% of their games. The USMNT has only won 56%.This shows that the women’s team has been much more successful in their career.
There are many ways to find a solution to this problem. Some researchers have suggested creating a ratio that equally compares expenses to revenue to salary. This would ensure that players would receive what they have earned, not what they are worth. Others have considered setting one amount for all players, regardless of who they play for. This could also be a viable solution; however it would be difficult to find a salary that all players would agree to. Although some have suggested a few outlandish ways, these two are the most likely to be successful. (Dure)
The wage gap between men and women is a problem that should be taken very seriously. Everyone should be working together to find a solution to this problem. However, we can’t forget what soccer is really about. It’s a wonderful sport that encourages peace and harmony between all who play.