Feb 5, 2025
Asheville, North Carolina– The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA), alongside District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, today announced a settlement with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) following widespread allegations of abuse and misconduct that occurred during the first decade of the league. Two independent investigations confirmed that misconduct was systemic across the league from 2013-2022. Adopting the findings of these reports and by NWSL’s agreement, this settlement establishes a $5 million Player Restitution Fund to provide monetary relief to impacted players and ensures ongoing oversight of the previously-adopted policies and protections that were recommended in the Joint Investigative Team’s Report.
“The joint investigation was demanded by the NWSLPA because Players risked everything to speak out in the face of a system that had failed them. Reforms began with this reckoning and have reshaped the NWSL over the past 3 years. It is through the Players’ courage and conviction that NWSL is now on a different trajectory,” said Meghann Burke, Executive Director National Women’s Soccer League Players Association. “This settlement not only acknowledges those historic failures and NWSL’s acceptance of accountability but also establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law. We appreciate Attorneys General Brian L. Schwalb, Letitia James, and Kwame Raoul for their commitment to standing with Players and for enforcing the recommendations of the Joint Investigative Team. Accountability is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing commitment that never ends. The NWSLPA is steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our sport never again prioritizes silence over safety.”
“The joint investigation was sought by Players because, for too long, people in power refused to listen. Players suffered in silence. Change came about because of their bravery—speaking out, demanding change, and refusing to back down,” said Tori Huster, Deputy Executive Director National Women’s Soccer League. “This settlement is a testament to their courage and a step toward the justice they have always deserved. We appreciate Attorneys General Brian L. Schwalb, Letitia James, and Kwame Raoul for recognizing the gravity of these injustices. I want to be clear: this was possible because Players demanded it. Their strength continues to drive this league forward, and the NWSLPA will always stand beside them.”
“I am honored and grateful to have been part of the AGs’ investigation, sharing my story and advising on policy changes to protect players, “ said Erin Simon, Retired Professional Soccer Player. “This agreement is a massive achievement, especially with its increased mental health support for players. It doesn’t erase the painful stories endured by women, but it is a crucial step forward. The fight to protect players must continue, and the NWSL Players Association will remain a sanctuary in times of need.
In 2021, Players from across the NWSL, courageously came forward with allegations of misconduct and abuse by coaches and people in positions of power. Despite reporting many of these incidents to the League and the U.S. Soccer Federation, they were largely ignored.
Two significant investigations—one commissioned jointly by NWSLPA and NWSL with Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Covington & Burling, respectively, and another led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates on behalf of the United States Soccer Federation—revealed widespread, systemic failures within the League from 2013-2022. These investigations uncovered instances of verbal abuse, emotional misconduct, sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and discrimination, perpetuated by coaches who exercised overwhelming control over players, both on and off the field.
The findings of the Joint Investigative Team led to robust recommendations that have since been adopted to prevent and address abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Since implementing these reforms, the tremendous potential of NWSL and its Players has been unleashed as proven by soaring attendance, viewership, and investment in NWSL.
The settlement, following a joint investigation by the Offices of the Attorneys General for the District of Columbia, New York, and Illinois, establishes enforcement of the following provisions, most of which were previously adopted:
● Establish a $5 million Player Restitution Fund to compensate impacted players.
● Implement league-wide policy changes to protect players. With oversight from the Attorneys General, NWSL must continue to comply with extensive changes to its protocols including:
○ Rigorous vetting of prospective coaches, general managers, athletic trainers, and player safety officers.
○ Multiple mechanisms for players to report misconduct.
○ Prohibiting coaches from having exclusive control over player housing or medical decisions.
○ A policy that teams may not investigate themselves regarding coach misconduct and player safety.
○ Maintaining a league safety officer.
○ Requiring teams to employ dedicated HR personnel and at least one mental health professional.
○ Annual training for all players and staff on how to prevent bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, racism, and retaliation, and the reporting mechanisms available to players.
○ Providing the Attorneys General with the results of annual, anonymous player surveys of coach conduct and team culture.
● Submit bi-annual reports to the Attorneys General for the next three years, detailing the implementation of and compliance with the above protocol changes and a compilation of any complaints alleging misconduct involving player or staff safety.
The positive impact of these policies and practices have been proven by NWSL’s rapid transformation. Today’s announcement ensures that these policies and procedures will also be enforced by the Attorneys General’s offices.
The settlement agreement is available here.
This matter was handled for the District by Assistant Attorney General Jess Feinberg and Civil Rights & Elder Justice Section Chief Alicia M. Lendon.
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