Megan Rapinoe on why equal pay talks broke down: 'You either value us equally and show that, or you don't'
Megan Rapinoe and the U.S. women’s soccer team have had enough. After mediation talks on equal pay between the USWNT and the U.S. Soccer Federation broke down, the two sides could be headed to court.
A group of 28 U.S. women’s soccer players, including Rapinoe, filed a gender discrimination lawsuit in March against the USSF. The lawsuit asked for equal pay with their male counterparts.
Rapinoe and teammate Christen Press stopped by NBC’s Today on Thursday morning to discuss why talks broke down.
“When they’re ready to have a serious conversation about equal pay, I think the conversations will go better,” Rapinoe said. “We didn’t feel like they were there, or willing to get there.”
The 34-year-old soccer player insisted that they were open to talking with the USSF again. But she also affirmed that if it came to litigation, they’re prepared.
“At any point, if they want to have a serious conversation and are willing to not only talk about paying us equally and valuing us in that way, but actually doing it, and showing us that they’ll do it, our ears are always open. I don’t think anyone wants to go to litigation, but with that said, we’re very confident in our case.”
Several commenters agreed with Rapinoe, saying it was time for equal pay.
It’s completely reasonable! I don’t even watch the men’s team play, I record the women’s matches. They are amazing athletes
— Peaches (@Prunetucky37) August 15, 2019
Do NOT give in! #EqualPayForWomen!!!!
— ?🌊#SaveOurPlanet?🌊 (@RiderBabe52) August 15, 2019
They need to walk out and not play until they pay them equally, it will hurt them if they don’t have a woman’s soccer team. Hit them where it hurts, their wallet.
— Lenny 233 (@marie48) August 15, 2019
Others weren’t as supportive of the USWNT’s efforts.
Whoever brings in higher revenue should be paid more. Simple business.
— Jeff Muehlhoff (@thejstealth) August 15, 2019
What’s there to discuss? The women’s game needs to bring in more money. Very simple.
— II (@1MisterH) August 15, 2019
2+2 does not equal 5. The women chose to receive a salary. End of story.
— Mark Tutone (@MarkTutone) August 15, 2019
Rapinoe ended the conversation with a firm take on where the USWNT stands.
“If it’s not equal, there’s no deal we can get to,” she said. “This isn’t bargaining. You either value us equally and show us that, or you don’t.”
What do you think of Rapinoe’s comments? Should there be equal pay for the U.S. women’s soccer team? Let us know in the comments below.
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