Equal pay for equal play is a good concept, but it only works if the two sexes have the same opportunities in sports. For centuries, the sport of tennis has been dominated primarily by men. In basketball and tennis, women have never had the same opportunities historically. The 60-metre sprint is not an area where women have had equal opportunities. Biology and scheduling are the reasons.
Women's soccer team in the United States fights for equal pay
The USSF's claim that it didn't discriminate against women has led to the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the US women's national soccer team. USSF had claimed that women are more likely to play soccer than men and therefore should be paid the same salary. However, the women’s national team refuted this argument, arguing they weren't entitled to the same compensation that was offered to the men's.
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
A case study analysis of USWNT's fight for equal pay examines the experiences of players. The USWNT has a long tradition of being underpaid and undervalued in sport. This inequality is addressed by the USWNT lawsuit. The experiences of players also point out the need for more legislation to close gender pay gaps.
The USWNT's fight for equal pay started with a lawsuit filed against the 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 to help their cause. In the end, the USWNT was able to draw international attention and gain public support prior to and during 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 have also spoken publicly about the importance of equal pay in sports.
California bill mandates equal prize pools in sports competitions on public lands
California's legislature passed a bill to require equal prize pools in sports competition on both state and local lands. Assemblymember Tasha Borner Horvath was the one who drafted the new law. Her concern about the gender pay gap within sports led to this bill. She argued that competition arenas are athletes' workplaces and that the prize money for men and women should be equal.
The bill passed unanimously. It was signed into law September by Governor Gavin Newsom. It applies only to sports competitions held on California state lands and will not affect private events. This includes professional surfing competitions at state beaches or cycling races on state roads. Such events require permits.
The bill also contains provisions to allow expansion of gambling on tribal lands. If the legislation is passed, it would allow legal sports wagers to be accepted by casinos and horseracing tracks. This legislation would allow Californians to bet on these events while also ensuring that the state's gambling laws are not violated.