Three matchdays remain, but we already have the 2024 NWSL Shield winner. Orlando Pride has earned the right to wear this prestigious crown following their emphatic 2-0 win over Washington Spirit in the regular season. As the celebrations are in full swing for Seb Hines’ side, the question looms: how much of a bonus will Marta and Co. earn following their emphatic win?

In the past few years, the NWSL has been cementing its focus on increasing compensation for all the participating teams and players. After announcing a record-breaking $1.1 million prize pool for the 2023 season’s Challenge Cup, the league decided to also increase pools for Championship and Shield as well. Compared to the 2022 season, the bonus for last year’s league winner was increased from $10,000 to $15,000 per player.

Since this year, no significant revisions or changes have been shared by the stakeholders, the prize pool likely remains the same. Hence, Marta and her Orlando Pride teammates should pocket $15,000 per player. This five-figure payday for the NWSL Shield winners is no less than a cherry on top for the Florida-based club. They will be receiving the paycheck shortly after the regular season concludes.

If you are surprised to hear about the prize pool for the NWSL Shield, wait till you hear about the compensation of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Well, looking at last year’s bonuses, $15,000 was awarded to players from the championship team, $11,250 to finalists, $7,500 to semifinalists, and $3,750 to quarterfinalists.

For now, only Orlando Pride is eligible to claim its Shield prize. As for the Championship and Challenge Cup, there is still time. The race for the playoffs continues to intensify with all 14 sides hoping to end their season on a high note, with greater prize pool being one of the motivations. Speaking of which, we were expecting a much increase in the pool this time, considering the historic developments that have transpired this year.

NWSL Shield prize pool could have been increased for the 2024 season

Women’s soccer is experiencing remarkable growth in the United States, with the National Women’s Soccer League standing as a clear testament to this progress. Since the beginning of the 2024 NWSL season, we have witnessed some historic milestones. For instance, the $240 million media rights deal that NWSL struck with CBS, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports earlier this year.

As the league continues to reach new milestones and expand its impact, its influence is becoming increasingly evident. Hence, the least expectation from the National Women’s Soccer League is to reward teams and players with a revised prize pool. Not to mention, they have revered sponsors in their backing including UKG, Adobe, Google Pixel, Amazon, and Carmax. But who knows, they actually might roll out new paychecks.

This is because no official and even final confirmation has been given by the NWSL regarding the prize pool for this season. Regardless, the time ahead will determine the conclusion for the same.