The NWSL agreed to a major settlement with the attorneys general of New York, Illinois, and Washington, DC, on Wednesday, capping a two-year investigation into the abuse allegations outlined in the 2022 Yates Report.
The NWSL must now create a $5 million restitution fund to compensate athletes who experienced abuse. The league is also required to continue implementing comprehensive player safety reforms.
“For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women’s Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve.”
Years of investigation led up to the NWSL settlement
Whistleblowers initially exposed a culture of harassment and sexual misconduct within multiple NWSL teams in 2021. As a result, US Soccer’s subsequent Yates Report suggested extensive reforms were needed at both the league and club level.
In the fallout surrounding that 2022 report, the attorneys general initiated their own joint investigation….
