Recent Deals Highlight Harsh Realities for Women Athletes in Professional Sports

The recent deals in professional women’s sports highlight the growing interest and investment in female athletes, but also shed light on the harsh economic realities many of them face. Despite the influx of attention and funding in women’s sports leagues, athletes are still struggling to make a decent living.

One such deal involves sponsor Visa helping all members of BayFC, the San Francisco Bay Area’s professional women’s soccer team, earn the maximum amount of appearance fee money available under the league’s contract with players. This innovative program allows players to earn the maximum amount through social media appearances, helping them elevate their personal brands and increase their compensation.

Additionally, the National Women’s Soccer League and its players union have announced a new collective bargaining agreement that offers players higher pay and more say in which teams they play for. While the higher salaries will phase in over time, the appearance fee money remains a crucial way for players to boost their earnings.

The total dollar amounts involved may seem modest, but for non-star players in the NWSL who make as little as $37,000 in salary, every bit counts. The new deal will see minimum salaries rise to $48,500 in 2025 and eventually to $82,500 by 2030, providing much-needed financial support for players.

The surge of interest in professional women’s sports, particularly in soccer and basketball, has led to significant investments. Angel City, Los Angeles’ NWSL franchise, was recently sold for a record $250 million, while players like Caitlin Clark have helped increase the popularity of women’s basketball.

Despite these gains, the Visa deal with BayFC highlights the disparities in women’s sports, where high-profile players often receive the most sponsorship deals and highest salaries, leaving others behind. Visa and BayFC are working on programs to support the future of professional women’s soccer and address the systematic challenges female athletes face.

Overall, these developments in women’s sports are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for female athletes. By changing the business model of women’s soccer, organizations like BayFC and sponsors like Visa are working towards creating a world where female athletes can thrive and succeed.