Joe
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the attorneys general of New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., addressing years of allegations regarding the mistreatment of players. The agreement, announced on Thursday, marks a significant step in closing investigations into systemic misconduct within the league.
The settlement comes after a series of disturbing revelations from current and former players, detailing over a decade of abuse, including sexual misconduct and emotional harassment by coaches and league officials. Investigations conducted by independent bodies and state authorities concluded that the NWSL failed to implement adequate measures to protect its athletes from such behavior.
“For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women’s Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement released through the NWSL Players Association. “This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve.”
Key Provisions of the Settlement
Under the terms of the agreement, the NWSL will establish a $5 million fund to compensate players who experienced abuse. Importantly, this settlement does not prevent individual players from pursuing separate legal actions against the league or its affiliated teams.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, who has been spearheading reforms since taking office in 2022, emphasized the league’s commitment to change. “We remain grateful to the many brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences, which has informed our approach to systemic reform,” Berman stated. “We will continue to do the work necessary to maintain the trust of our players and build an ecosystem where the best in the world want to come.”
Ongoing Reforms and Accountability Measures
In addition to the financial settlement, the NWSL has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at preventing future misconduct. These measures include:
- Enhanced vetting processes for coaches and staff
- Mandatory mental health professionals on team staff
- Expanded training programs to address bullying, harassment, and workplace safety
The league is also required to submit biannual reports to the attorneys general over the next three years, detailing any misconduct complaints. Furthermore, players will participate in anonymous annual surveys to assess team culture and coaching practices. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in an additional $2 million penalty.
Since taking the helm, Berman has prioritized player welfare, negotiating the league’s first-ever collective bargaining agreement, which improved salaries and working conditions. Her leadership has also seen the removal of individuals implicated in past abuses, with lifetime bans issued to four former coaches. Additionally, new ownership groups with a focus on player well-being have been brought in, contributing to the league’s rapid growth.
Reflecting this momentum, the NWSL recently announced its 16th franchise in Denver, sold for a record $110 million expansion fee—highlighting both the league’s resilience and its commitment to a new era of accountability and growth.
* cnbc.com
