Sandra Bullock called for equal pay for the U.S. women’s soccer team, and she’s not alone
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is currently taking some much-needed time to celebrate after winning the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (and smashing records in the process). Since their victory on July 7th, the athletes have given speeches, attended after-parties, and marched in a ticker tape parade in New York City. But underneath all of these festivities, many are frustrated that the U.S. women’s soccer team earns less than the men’s team. Even celebrities like Sandra Bullock are among those demanding equal pay for soccer players.
The World Cup-winning troop won Best Team at ESPN’s 2019 ESPYs, and team co-captain Alex Morgan won the ESPY for Best Female Athlete. The women’s soccer team beat out six other teams that dominated their sports this year: the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Clemson Tigers, the Baylor Bears, the Toronto Raptors, and the Virginia Cavaliers. Bullock presented the award, and during her speech, she took the opportunity to address pay equality.
"All those in favor of equal pay, say 'Aye,'" Bullock said after she opened the envelope.
"It's been an incredible journey, and I'm super proud of all of these 22 fabulous ladies, so props to all of you and thank you so much," co-captain Carli Lloyd said during her acceptance speech. "Here's to the next World Cup in another four years."
Bullock isn’t the only celebrity to address the gender wage gap in U.S. soccer. ESPN notes that as host Tracy Morgan bid the audience farewell, he declared, “Let’s pay these ladies, and let’s fight cancer.”
On social media, other actors, athletes, and politicians have agreed.
“Be more. Be better. Be bigger than you’ve ever been before.”
The fight for equal pay is not only the responsibility of the #USWNT. It is the responsibility of every athlete, in all sports, and all of their fans. Let’s do this. #StrongerTogether https://t.co/QHuHkwZG98
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 10, 2019
Congrats team USA! Billie says it best here! So happy for each one of you and so proud. ❤️ @USWNT https://t.co/WK2Yi2z8F4
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 7, 2019
Congrats to the elite @USWNT on winning your FOURTH World Cup!!! Consistently bringing home the win but not the check. Bittersweet. #USWNT #equalpay pic.twitter.com/CtzijAnmIn
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) July 7, 2019
As we get ready to cheer on the #USWNT in Sunday’s final, let's note that they’re fighting for equal pay—and their advocacy could help all female athletes. I’m proud to stand with @mpinoe and this team for fighting to win, on and off the field. https://t.co/DG7jfmfWfm pic.twitter.com/2oMMnCMSw0
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 5, 2019
Equal pay for exceptionally supreme work is the least these athletes deserve. Anything less is a shame and travesty to their sport.
With that said, these women have the attention of the world. All eyes on them and their glorious victory! Yas! They. Did. That! #USWMT pic.twitter.com/OR1wm1rr8R
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 7, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoUwyKjN7T
EQUAL PAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) July 7, 2019
Even lawmakers are starting to weigh in on the debate. According to CNN, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia introduced a bill on July 9th that would withhold funding for the 2026 men’s World Cup—which is set to take place in the U.S.—until both teams are guaranteed equal pay.
Thank you @wvuwomenssoccer Coach @WVUIzzoBrown for writing to me about the troubling pay gap the @USWNT faces. I've introduced a bill requiring @ussoccer pay women equitably to men b4 federal funds may be used for the 2026 World Cup. MORE: https://t.co/gonJ4RZorG #PayTheWomen
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) July 9, 2019
Meanwhile, ABC News notes that at the parade for the women’s soccer team, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged that if elected president, he would ask Congress to amend the Amateur Sports Act to guarantee that women’s and men’s national sports teams receive equal pay. Before the parade, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that, per ABC, would close a loophole that allows gender-based pay discrimination.
The @USWNT has shown us an undeniable truth: women deserve #EqualPay for equal work. And they have the championships to prove it. #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/nQYhcL3CMc
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 10, 2019
With all of their incredible feats, the U.S. women’s soccer team is more than deserving of a pay raise. It’s time we pay these athletes what they’re worth.
