USWNT: Equal pay advocates, inspirational athletes
While the talented display of athleticism was something to behold as the US Women’s National Soccer team captured another World Cup title in July—outscoring the opponents 26-3—it was the following months that really made headlines. One of the most significant topics: Equal pay.
A hugely debated issue—beyond sports—equal pay advocacy reached new heights in 2019, thanks largely to the USWNT. Where there were parades and ticker tape, there were also players using the moment to speak out about the wage gap—this included at the World Cup ceremony, too. And it seems they have made an impact, with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signing equal pay legislation at the World Cup celebration parade, and the House of Representatives introducing a Bill that would block US men’s soccer funding in 2026 until the wage gap is solved.
There’s a long way to go. But based on the historical and cultural impact of such a topic, it was definitely one of the most prominent sports stories of the year.