Women’s Soccer League Reaches $5 Million Settlement Over Sexual Abuse Scandal

This month the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has reached a landmark $5 million settlement with three state attorneys general, marking a significant step in responding to the sexual misconduct scandal that shook the league in 2021.

The settlement, announced on February 5, 2025, comes after years of allegations from players about widespread abuse and misconduct by coaches and officials.

The scandal first came to light in 2021 when players publicly revealed years of abuse suffered at the hands of coaches, including sexual coercion, unwanted touching, emotional abuse, and intimidation.

After an independent investigation was commissioned by U.S. Soccer, it was found that abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic across the league. The NWSL was also found to have repeatedly failed to protect its players, and even allowed officials accused of misconduct to find employment with new teams.

The settlement, reached with the attorneys general of New York, Illinois, and Washington D.C., establishes a $5 million fund to compensate players who experienced abuse. The fund aims to provide some form of restitution to the victims, although no amount can fully address the damage inflicted. The agreement also requires the NWSL to maintain and enforce safeguards implemented following the 2022 investigations.

Key figures in the scandal include former players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, who came forward with allegations against former Coach Paul Riley. Their courage in speaking out led to significant changes in the league, including the firing of Riley and the resignation of NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird.

The settlement agreement also grants the attorneys general oversight authority to ensure the implementation of new safety policies and protect current and future players. The NWSL will be required to submit bi-annual reports for the next three years, detailing compliance with safety protocol changes and flagging any new misconduct complaints.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman acknowledged the bravery of those who came forward, stating, “We remain grateful to the many brave individuals who have come forward to share their experiences, which has informed our approach to systemic reform. The NWSL is proud of the work we have done, in partnership with the NWSL Players Association, to set the standard for professional sports leagues.”

The settlement represents a step in the right direction in addressing the systemic issues within women’s soccer. According to New York Attorney General Letitia James, the settlement “sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve.”

Despite the $5 million fund and implemented reforms, the impact of this scandal will likely be felt for years to come. The courage of the players who spoke out has not only led to the settlement but has also sparked a broader conversation about player safety and accountability in professional sports.

Going forward, the NWSL claims to be committed to rebuilding trust, ensuring player safety and creating a culture of respect. The oversight provided by the attorneys general will play a crucial role in holding the league accountable and preventing future instances of abuse and misconduct.

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and many other state and federal laws, sexual harassment is illegal.  Employers are strictly liable for harassment by supervisors and also liable when they do not take adequate action to protect their employees.