The National Women’s Soccer League has reached a $5 million settlement with three attorneys general over mistreatment of its athletes, including allegations of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse dating back over 10 years. The league failed to protect its players, leading to investigations and the settlement agreement. A $5 million fund will be created for affected players, who can still pursue other legal actions. The league has implemented reforms to prevent future abuse, including increased vetting of coaches and mental health support for players.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, who took over in 2022, has been working to reform the league. She has improved player contracts through the league’s first collective bargaining agreement and issued lifetime bans against four former coaches involved in misconduct. Berman has also brought in new ownership groups committed to player welfare, leading to expansion with Denver being awarded the 16th franchise at a record $110 million fee.
The league will be required to provide regular reports to the attorneys general and conduct annual player surveys to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. Failure to comply could result in an additional penalty of $2 million. Overall, the settlement and reforms aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for NWSL players, signaling a commitment to addressing past mistreatment and preventing future misconduct.
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