The fight for equal pay is one of the most influential movements in USWNT history. From Megan Rapinoe receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hope Solo stating there is much work left, everyone has opinions regarding it. Likewise, Emma Hayes had her points to say regarding the matter in her appearance on ABC News’ Good Morning America.

As they described the efforts of Hayes, after just joining 2 months before the Olympics, the host lauded her for the efforts. But the main question remained. Her opinions mattered regarding the equal pay movement. To everyone’s surprise, her answer was somewhat different. She still thinks there is much work ahead.

Emma Hayes pointed out, “Yeah, of course there is. I think, certainly the hardest parts have been done. But I don’t think it ever stops.” She is right. The USWNT settled their class action equal pay lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) for $24 million. Both sides remained in a tight-rope battle but finally agreed to a settlement on February 22. The players could receive an amount of $22 million. The rest of the $2 million goes into a common account for the benefit of USWNT players after their careers and to contribute to various charities.

Significantly, the USWNT players can apply to take up to $50,000 from this fund. According to ESPN, Megan Rapinoe, one of the main crucial players in this movement, stated, “There’s no real justice in this other than this never happening again. With the settlement of the working conditions and this settlement which is contingent upon a CBA that will have equal pay going forward, there’s no other way to look at it than just a monumental win for women’s sports and women’s soccer, in particular.”

Emma Hayes remains unsure of the equal pay movement outcome

Emma Hayes’ statement about the ongoing struggle for equal pay could be accurate. There were times when people believed the settlement was low. Another USWNT icon, Hope Solo, released her new documentary on Netflix. In that, she states how the equal pay movement has not yet finished. She didn’t like that the players settled for $22 million. Initially seeking $66 million, the U.S. Soccer Federation rejected the request at first. But the players appealed, and it quickly turned in favor of the players.

There is much work ahead. The revenue generated by USWNT and the women’s soccer teams became correlated to the pay they get. If you consider it, it’s not feasible to pay the players high wages when fewer fans attend the games. Where is the income coming from? The league will crumble down quickly.

Thus, with our support, these players can get proper wages with higher attendance numbers, merchandising, and branding. Let’s make women’s soccer great in America!