Report: USWNT Home Matches Generated More Revenue Than MNT's Since 2015 WWC
In the three years since the U.S. women's national team won the 2015 Women's World Cup, the revenue generated from their matches has exceeded that of their male counterparts, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
The ability of the women's game to generate revenue has been at the center of a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Soccer Federation, in which 28 members of the USWNT allege they have been denied equal pay.
U.S. Soccer has used revenue generation as a key part of its defense, but as reported by WSJ, the gap in revenue has disappeared since the Women's World Cup triumph in 2015.
From 2016 to 2018, USWNT matches have generated a total revenue of $50.8 million in comparison with the $49.9 million attributed to the USMNT, according to U.S. Soccer's audited financial statements.
In 2016 alone, the women's revenue exceeded that of the men's by nearly $2m. In response to the reports, executive director of the USWNT's players association Becca Roux said: "The event revenue from the USWNT demonstrates the potential that can be realized when investment is made."
What has complicated matters up to now is that U.S. Soccer sell their broadcast rights and sponsorship deals as a bundle, including both men's and women's teams. Therefore it has been difficult to decipher how much value these companies place on each individual team.
Speaking on this matter, the executive producer of Fox's World Cup coverage, David Neal has said: "I don’t know how you quantify that,
"But right now the shining star of U.S. Soccer is the U.S. women’s national team. These women are heroes and I think that carries great value.”
The USWNT are currently in France aiming to win a fourth World Cup to add to their crowded trophy cabinet, which also includes four Olympic gold medals. The USMNT on the other hand, are yet to win a World Cup.
The news emanating from the recent financial statements will presumably boost the women's team's hopes of winning their legal battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation and has the potential to alter the shape of the game for generations to come.
