National Women's Soccer League reaches $5 million settlement after abuse investigation
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A NWSL game between the Kansas City Current and Chicago Red Stars at Seat Geek Stadium in November. Photo: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
The National Women's Soccer League has agreed to establish a $5 million fund for players harmed by abuse or harassment as part of a settlement stemming from over a decade of allegations.
Why it matters: The settlement comes years after players risked their careers and publicly shared stories of mental, verbal and sexual misconduct, including allegations against former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames, who was never criminally charged and denied wrongdoing.
Driving the news: Illinois, New York and Washington, D.C. attorneys general on Wednesday announced the settlement with the league after they say they found "the NWSL was permeated by a culture of inappropriate and abusive behavior, including sexual harassment and harassment and discrimination based upon gender, race, and sexual orientation."
- The announcement was made on National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Zoom in: The AGs' report says that as far back as 2013 the league was aware of verbal and emotional abuse, including examples of racism and sexist harassment detailed in players' complaints, but those complaints were largely ignored.
- As early as 2015 NWSL knew that a coach had been sexually harassing players and the coach was moved to another team rather than removed from the league, the AGs' investigation found.
Flashback: In 2022, U.S. Soccer released the findings of an independent investigation led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates that revealed systemic verbal, physical and sexual abuse across the league.
State of play: In addition to the $5 million restitution fund, the settlement requires unlimited free mental health services for players and the establishment of a system of accountability within the NWSL.
What they're saying: "This $5 million restitution fund is not a gift, nor is it justice. This fund exists because players refused to be silenced and we found the courage to stand together as a collective," NWSL Players Association president and former player Tori Huster said at a press conference.
- "This fund is an acknowledgment of the league's failures, and the pain suffered by players. It's a testament to the players' courage and a necessary step toward accountability."
The other side: "We remain grateful to the many brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences, which has informed our approach to systemic reform. The NWSL is proud of the work we have done, in partnership with the NWSL Players Association, to set the standard for professional sports leagues," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement.
What's next: A retired judge will serve as administrator of the fund and has up to 45 days to develop a plan and submit that plan to the attorneys general for approval.
- Once approved, the administrator will notify players no less than 15 days prior to the fund's opening. Once open, players will then have six months to apply.