USWNT Dominates 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup’s Highest Paid List

The gender pay gap has long been a prevalent issue in society, affecting industries ranging from corporate to sports, and soccer is no exception. Nevertheless, recent reports from Forbes have shed light on promising trends concerning the highest-paid female athletes in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) stars stand out as frontrunners.

Published on July 24, 2023, at 1:30 PM WAT, this report by Suresh Menon unveils the inspiring dynamics of pay equity in women’s soccer. The list of highest-paid athletes for the tournament features nine Americans, with Spain’s Alexia Putellas being the sole exception, showcasing the dominance of the USWNT. Leading this financial charge are stalwarts Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.

Alex Morgan emerges as the top earner, amassing an impressive $7.1 million, while Megan Rapinoe closely follows with earnings totaling $7 million. The gap between second and third place is quite substantial, with Alexia Putellas securing the third spot with earnings amounting to $4 million.

Trinity Rodman, another USWNT star, commands $2.3 million, emphasizing the team’s depth and financial success. Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, and Sofia Huerta contribute to this trend with earnings ranging from $1.3 million to $2 million.

The rise of women’s soccer as an economic powerhouse is evident, with Dan Levy, an agent at Wassermann media agency, playing a pivotal role. Levy manages the likes of Alex Morgan and Rapinoe, who collectively accumulate $6.3 million from off-field earnings alone. Reflecting on this shift, Levy acknowledges the substantial transformation in women’s soccer’s platform and opportunities.

In the early 2000s, female athletes in the US struggled to secure endorsement deals unless they were icons like Mia Hamm. However, this report highlights the seismic shift in brand and sponsorship support for women in soccer, contributing to the closing of the pay gap. It’s a heartening development, with brands and sponsors actively taking steps to level the playing field.