US Soccer and USWNT reach $24M agreement on equal pay dispute

By Wayne Sterling and Jack Bantock, CNN

Updated 1354 GMT (2154 HKT) February 22, 2022

Sophia Smith and other US players celebrate a goal during a game between New Zealand and the US at Dignity Health Sports Park on February 20, 2022.

(CNN)US Soccer and the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) have reached an agreement to end a dispute over equal pay, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.

The dispute dates back to March 2019 when the USWNT filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer.The agreement will see the women's and men's national teams receive an equal rate of pay in all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup.Tuesday's joint statement said, «We are pleased to announce that, contingent on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement, we will have resolved our longstanding dispute over equal pay and proudly stand together in a shared commitment to advancing equality in soccer.»As part of the agreement, US Soccer will pay $22 million to the players in the case as well as an «additional $2 million into an account to benefit the USWNT players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women's and girls' soccer.»Read MoreThe settlement is contingent on the ratification of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the USWNT.ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTobin Heath and Christen Press: The USWNT stars making an impact on and off the pitch 04:36«Getting to this day has not been easy,» the statement said. «The U.S. Women's National Team players have achieved unprecedented success while working to achieve equal pay for themselves and future athletes.»Today, we recognize the legacy of the past USWNT leaders who helped to make this day possible, as