CHARLESTON — U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Maria Cantwell’s (D-Wash.) Equal Pay for Team USA Act has been signed into law by President Joe Biden.
The landmark legislation ensures all athletes who represent the United States in global competition – like the World Cup, Olympics, and Paralympics – receive equal pay and benefits – regardless of gender.
“Our Equal Pay for Team USA Act has now become law — ensuring equal compensation for athletes representing our great nation in global competitions. When American athletes compete on the world stage, they represent our great nation, our people, and our values. Therefore, it’s only right that female athletes receive the same kind of pay and benefits as their male counterparts, and this law does just that. I’m proud to have championed this bipartisan effort, and look forward to the positive impact this will have on our Team USA athletes now that this is the law of the land,” Capito said.
“The Cantwell-Capito Equal Pay for Team USA Act is officially law,” Cantwell said. “From here on out, when women win, they no longer have to worry that a men’s team will still somehow be paid more. This law requires that the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and sports’ governing bodies provide the same pay, medical care, travel accommodations, and coverage of expenses to U.S. athletes regardless of gender — or risk decertification. With President Biden’s signature, we’re ensuring that when you wear the Team USA logo, you will truly be equal.”
Before, men and women could be compensated differently for representing Team USA in the same sport. For years, there have been stories — from the women’s national teams in many sports being paid consistently less, to women’s teams flying in coach to games while men’s teams sat in business class and waiting months for medical reimbursements. The bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Law requires that all athletes representing the United States in global athletic competitions receive equal compensation and benefits in their sport, regardless of gender. It also requires equal payment for medical care, travel, and expenses.
The bill applies to 50 different sports’ national governing bodies, like U.S. Soccer and USA Volleyball, along with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). It also requires USOPC to conduct oversight and report on compliance with the legislation.