USWNT makes $3.3 million despite surprising World Championship elimination

DUSTIN JONESAugust 11, 2023

The United States women’s soccer team’s disastrous performance at the World Cup had one bright spot: a record salary of $3.25 million.

The seven-figure payout is the result of a 2019 agreement between the USWNT and the US Soccer Association that guaranteed the women’s team the same pay as their male counterparts.

The two teams now split their prize money 50:50 from their respective world championships.

As per the agreement, the players receive 90% of the payout while the federation keeps 10%.

During the 2022-2023 USWNT run to the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand – which ended in a surprise quarter-final loss to Sweden – the team reportedly raked in $7.3 million Assets.

Despite the earliest elimination in team history, the win for the two-time defending women’s tournament champion was the biggest of all time.

The US women's national team received a $3.3 million payout earlier than ever despite being eliminated from the World Championship tournament in the 16th round. The payday was the result of a 2019 equality agreement with the US Football Association. — The USA women’s national team received a $3.3 million payout earlier than ever despite their elimination from the World Championship tournament in the 16th round. The payday was the result of a 2019 equality agreement with the US Football Association.

The team was eliminated from a World Cup tournament for the first time ever after losing a penalty shootout, although the women reportedly made the highest payout at $3.25 million Assets.

Players also received even bigger paychecks after the US men’s team earned $13 million last November by reaching the quarter-finals at the World Cup. The Equal Pay Agreement awarded USWNT $5.85 million and the association $650,000.

The multi-million dollar difference is the result of significantly higher prize money being paid out for the men’s tournament due to its worldwide popularity.

The women’s team caused more controversy than goals before being eliminated after a goalless tie decided on penalties – in which long-time star Megan Rapinoe botched her shot.

The starting players came under criticism after several apparently refused to sing the national anthem before the game started. Rapinoe was criticized for grinning after missing her penalty in the last game.

Ironically, it is thanks to Rapinoe’s very public fight for equal pay in the sport that she and her teammates receive a sizeable consolation prize.

Rapinoe has been a lightning rod throughout her career. After the team’s victory at the 2019 World Cup, she declined a trip to the White House and began kneeling during the national anthem in 2015 in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.

During the tournament, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand until August 20, scoring goals has been the team's biggest problem on the pitch. — During the tournament, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand until August 20, scoring goals has been the team’s biggest problem on the pitch.

After losing to Sweden, Donald Trump attacked Rapinoe, a longtime critic of the 45th President.

“Many of our players have been openly hostile to America – no other country has been like this or even remotely close,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Waking up is synonymous with failure.”

“Good reception Megan, America is going to hell!!!! MAGA.”