Inequality in compensation in the world of sports: an exploration of the causes
In the world of sports, progress for women has been evident, yet significant disparities remain.
Packed out stadiums for women's matches in major sports like football, tennis, and cricket have become commonplace, indicating a growing interest and appreciation for female athletes. However, when it comes to earnings, the story is far from equal. Elite female footballers, for instance, earn only 15-25% of what their male counterparts make.
Alex Culvin, a former footballer who now works for global players union FIFPRO, argues that comparing the salaries of the top earners in the sport does the equal pay argument a disservice. Culvin advocates for salary floors in the women's game and a more organic approach to growth.
Not only are salaries unequal, but everything else apart from match fees, such as travel, facilities, and chef services, is also unequal for women players. This disparity is not limited to football; it is a trend that spans the top end of most sports, with tennis being an exception, moving towards equal prize money for men and women at all tournaments.
Jasmina Covic, a female football agent, stated that while top football clubs are investing in their women's teams, this is not a universal policy. Some clubs have difficulties with investing in their women's teams and prioritize the men's team instead.
Lombe Mwambwa, the interim CEO of the Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport, stated that sport does rank badly against other sectors when it comes to equal pay and conditions. Mwambwa wants to see changes at the grassroots, not just on the pitch, and emphasizes that women comprise a large part of the sports workforce that is voluntary, underpaid, or not recognized as work.
The US mission to the UN is seeking to remove the word "gender" from every UN resolution, which some view as a potential diminishing of women's sports under the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This change is seen as the first sign of such a potential shift.
Conditions at the top level, even where prize or appearance money is equal, are often significantly worse for women. Countries like the United States, South Dakota, and Montana have introduced or planned laws restricting transgender athletes' participation in women's sports, leading to debates about fairness and inclusion, with some female athletes expressing support while others highlight concerns over competitive equity.
Heather Barr, Associate Director of the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, has stated that the Trump administration's actions against DEI are having a deeply chilling impact.
However, there is also a glimmer of hope. 90% of sports now offer equal prize money at their major championships, and female footballers successfully battled to win limited maternity rights in 2024. Culvin believes that investing in women's teams and providing environments in which they can thrive will lead to increased revenues and salaries.
This complex landscape of progress and challenges underscores the need for continued advocacy and investment in women's sports to ensure true equality.
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