The National Women’s Soccer League has been found in violation of players’ civil rights, resulting in a $5 million restitution payment as part of a significant settlement announced Wednesday, concluding a lengthy investigation into player mistreatment.

The funds will be allocated to a new initiative aimed at aiding anyone impacted by abuse or harassment from individuals in authoritative roles, as stated by the New York attorney general’s office to YSL News Sports. A series of measures that the NWSL has started to implement include ensuring that all teams have at least two mental health professionals on staff.

In addition, league leaders will regularly report every six months for the next three years to the attorneys general overseeing the investigation — which includes Brian Schwalb from Washington, D.C., Letitia James of New York, and Kwame Raoul from Illinois — detailing their progress in adhering to the settlement.

“While the NWSL has made significant strides, the victims still have not been compensated for the sexual and emotional trauma inflicted during their time in the League,” Attorney General Schwalb emphasized in a statement to YSL News Sports. “No financial figure can ever truly compensate for the harm endured.”

This settlement represents a key turning point in the NWSL’s ongoing journey, triggered by a series of shocking reports during the 2021 season that uncovered widespread allegations of abuse, sexual coercion, racism, harassment, and other misconduct across many clubs. This led to multiple investigations and protests from players throughout the league. Since then, several teams have been sold, and numerous coaches and general managers have been dismissed or resigned in disgrace.

“For far too long, the hardworking and skilled women within the National Women’s Soccer League faced an intolerable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” Attorney General James stated. “This settlement clearly conveys that such behavior is unacceptable and guarantees that players obtain the compensation and protections they rightfully deserve. Every athlete should be able to compete in a safe and supportive environment, and I commend the courageous individuals who stepped forward to reveal their experiences.”

Here’s what you should know about the groundbreaking NWSL settlement announced on Wednesday and its implications for female sports moving forward:

What are the stipulations of the NWSL settlement?

The settlement includes a comprehensive list of requirements, which NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman noted was developed in partnership with the league, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), and the attorneys general.

Oversight of the $5 million restitution fund will be managed by former U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones, who participated as an independent member of the committee overseeing the joint NWSL/NWSLPA investigation in 2022. Judge Jones has 45 days to present a plan for the fund to the attorneys general for their approval. Once it gains approval, players will be notified at least 15 days before the fund opens, allowing them six months to submit applications.

“We remain thankful to the numerous courageous individuals who shared their experiences, which has guided our approach to necessary changes,” Commissioner Berman stated. “Collaborating with the NWSLPA and the attorneys general has empowered us to strengthen the reforms initiated in 2023 following the investigative reports, and we are eager to assist the administrator in distributing the Players’ Restitution Fund.”

The settlement also outlines several protocols the attorneys general will monitor, with the NWSL obligated to provide updates on its progress every six months. Required changes include:

• Thorough vetting of potential coaches, general managers, athletic trainers, and player safety officers.
• Establishing multiple confidential methods for players to report wrongdoing.
• Implementing rules that restrict coaches from having sole authority over medical decisions or player accommodations.
• Ensuring that inquiries into coach misconduct or player safety are conducted by independent investigators, not by the teams involved.
• Appointment of a league safety officer.
• Every team must have dedicated human resources personnel.
• All teams are required to employ “a board-certified psychiatrist or doctoral-level psychologist as a Team Clinician, along with a Mental Performance Consultant.”
• Players will have access to mental health leave as advised by specialists in the field.
• Mandatory annual training on bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, racism, and retaliation, including how to utilize reporting systems.
• Annual anonymous surveys from players regarding coach behavior and team culture must be submitted to the attorneys general.

The NWSL may incur penalties up to $2 million if there is a breach of any terms included in the settlement.

Additionally, the NWSL Players Association will be involved in the hiring process for any coaches, general managers, or other key positions within the league’s soccer operations, according to a source familiar with the settlement who requested anonymity until the official announcement is made.

What prompted the investigation into the NWSL?

The NWSL faced a surge of allegations regarding various misconducts during the pivotal 2021 season, revealing severe issues at most clubs over several years. Complaints, such as those made by U.S. women’s national team player Christen Press against former Chicago Red Stars head coach Rory Dames in 2014, highlighted the absence of a formal policy for addressing abusers or for allowing players to report issues without facing retaliation.

The misconduct reported was pervasive and varied, indicating systemic problems. Several coaches were implicated in sexual coercion, while others faced accusations of verbal abuse, racist comments, and harassment. Some coaches were hired despite having previous abusive conduct claims or engaging in body-shaming at former clubs.

A report from the Washington Post in August 2021 brought to light allegations of verbal abuse and racist remarks from Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke, who had recently been moved to a front-office role citing health reasons. A month later, The Athletic published findings about former Portland Thorns, Western New York Flash, and North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, which included serious allegations of sexual coercion.

These explosive revelations led to significant transformations throughout the league, prompting players from various teams to share additional instances of misconduct at clubs like Racing Louisville, the Chicago Red Stars, the Houston Dash, and the Seattle Reign. A unified movement emerged among players, who paused gameplay to stage an in-game protest, and former commissioner Lisa Baird resigned under immense pressure after the league suspended its regular season for a weekend to process the revelations.

In October 2021, U.S. Soccer appointed ex-U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent investigation into abuse and sexual misconduct within women’s soccer. Her comprehensive report released the following year revealed a pervasive culture of misogyny and abuse at every level of the sport. A separate inquiry by the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association produced similar findings to those of Yates.

As a result, four coaches—Riley, Burke, Rory Dames, and Christy Holly—received lifetime bans, while others faced multi-year suspensions. More than half of the NWSL’s ten clubs at that time parted ways with a coach or general manager who had begun the 2021 season in their roles.

NWSL Settlement Marks a Pivotal Moment for Women’s Sports

The NWSL settlement represents a significant milestone for a league that has spent over three years revamping numerous protocols to enhance player safety.

The involvement of three attorneys general for oversight, along with substantial financial penalties as enforcement measures, is a first for the league.

Before the settlement, the NWSL underwent leadership changes, expanded its workforce significantly, and welcomed several new club owners to elevate standards. Last year, the league and the NWSL Players Association brokered a groundbreaking new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), building on a previous CBA that mandated clubs to hire at least one mental health professional.

However, external oversight may be necessary to ensure enduring improvements, as the NWSL’s progress has not been consistent. The San Diego Wave is currently facing a lawsuit over claims of a toxic work environment and sexual harassment. Former Wave and USWNT coach Jill Ellis, now with FIFA, was cited in the lawsuit and has previously denied allegations of fostering a hostile environment. Ellis has also sued former Wave video and creative manager Brittany Alvarado for defamation.

“Accountability is not just a single event,” remarked Meghann Burke, executive director of the NWSLPA, in a press release from the New York State Attorney General’s office. “It is a continuous commitment that must persist.  This settlement not only recognizes these failures but also, for the first time, sets forth legal enforcement mechanisms to hold the NWSL accountable and prevent future harm.”

Women’s soccer has taken a leading role in advocating for improved conditions for athletes. In May 2022, the USWNT Players Association reached an agreement with U.S. Soccer to secure equal pay, concluding a long-standing struggle. Entrepreneur Michele Kang’s successful takeover from former Washington Spirit owner Steve Baldwin led to a swift rise in club valuations, bringing in significant investments toward staff, infrastructure, and other enhancements.

This settlement further advances the league toward the type of protections that are standard in prominent men’s sports.

This story has been revised to include new details.