It’s been no secret that politics and sports have found themselves in a very complicated relationship as time passed. Athletes and sports teams alike have found themselves in positions of immeasurable popularity, inciting reactions from people purely on the colors they wear on gameday. As their platforms and outreaches continued to grow, several top athletes and teams have gone from dipping their toes in the pool of politics to diving in head first. The latest chapter in the never ending story of social progress is the USWNT leading the charge for equal pay and respect for women’s soccer. Spearheaded by veteran midfielder, Megan Rapinoe, the movement has generated unprecedented momentum due to the success of the Women’s World Cup in France. On its surface, most would think it’d be a reasonable effort and extend support to help the change. However, the way that the USWNT went about this summer has rubbed more than a few people the wrong way, leading to a lot of criticism.
Most who are displeased with Rapinoe and the reigning back-to-back World Cup champions detest the behavior of the team this summer. It all begins at that 13-0 drubbing the US handed Thailand in their first group stage game. Reactions aligned with either being OK with everything, being OK with the score but not the celebrations, or not being OK with the match at all. Personally, I agree that the celebrations for 10-13 were a bit over the top, but it’s the World Cup, score as you like when you can. As the tournament continued, the possibility of taking the title grew for the US. It was then that Rapinoe unabashedly proclaimed that she had no intention of visiting the White House, given they win. That press conference served as the catalyst for the critics of the summer. Between calling it disrespectful and un-American, those setting themselves opposite of Rapinoe were locked and loaded in wait for the victory parade.
Rapinoe’s presence in the wake of the World Cup victory blossomed into full-blown political activist, emphasizing her positions on both women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics who wanted to steer clear of saying something which might ruin their career ventured down the road of calling this summer a Rapinoe PR tour, giving her the publicity that she needs. All in all, those who don’t like what the USWNT were doing seem to think it’s detrimental to their end goal. I couldn’t disagree more. Like the title reads, you don’t have to like the USWNT. That’s the point. For long enough, they have dominated the women’s game while playing by the rules, seeking for the progress which has been overdue considering advancements in other fields. With the understanding that this summer would be one of the most successful in women’s soccer history, it seemed a change in approach was due. With that initial demolition of Thailand, the USWNT wasted no time at all announcing their role for this summer. Arrogant as it may seem, the team prided itself in being the confident winners. As the Nike advert stated, when you come for the queen, you best not miss. They weren’t afraid of exponentially growing the targets on their back because they knew it wouldn’t matter. It’s this brash winner’s attitude that was met with boiled blood. Urging the team to win gracefully to serve as role models for future generations wouldn’t be an invalid claim, if they hadn’t already tried it. Setting themselves as the hubristic targets helps both their efforts in earning equal pay as well as the efforts to increase investment in the women’s game all over the world. The USWNT filed their lawsuit for equal pay just before the Women’s World Cup, practically calling their shots. The more headlines they were able to fill, regardless of whether it was appraisal or disapproval, the more attention the tournament was getting. Consequently, the women’s game in total also grew, with viewership skyrocketing worldwide.
Of course, with the team’s actions being perceived negatively by many, the risk of falling short of their goal still stands. But for most of the big brass involved in decisions like these, especially when FIFA is involved, the main focus lies on the money that’s being brought in. Lining themselves with this movement has the potential to be a big moneymaker, if their motives lie that way. Most of the outright support for the women’s team and their presence stems from the younger and more progressive demographic. A demographic which will soon make up a vast majority of the consumer world. We already see many corporations align themselves with movements at beneficial times for both the cause and the profit, with Pride Month being the most recent example. In turn, the brazen displays of triumph from the team has the potential to incredibly affect the global investment in the women’s game. The US has placed themselves on a pedestal to be knocked down, and they did it at the perfect time. While respect is due for the progress the USWNT has made off the field, a number of teams will feel an impassioned desire to forcefully strip the crown from them. Walking into the tournament teams like France, England, and Germany were all touted as threats to the title. France and England had their opportunities, but to no avail. Germany never even got the chance.
Seeing an outspoken and shameless contender lift the trophy again doesn’t sit well with the rest of the field. For these teams which are shooting for the top, fighting a quasi-villain makes it a lot easier to increase the efforts. The USWNT is making sure that both teams and confederations around the world are taking this summer personally. That may serve as the best catalyst for possible investment. As much as people strive to be the heroes which achieve and create true history, the world likes to make sure we understand that life isn’t a fairytale. The USWNT have realized this and are embodying it on a grandiose scale, preparing to become martyrs for the cause. The suits which sit upon these financial decisions don’t often seem to take social progress into account. Where the blows are hitting, which the US has precisely aimed for, are their pockets and their pride. Oftentimes, people in those positions will open up the sooner of the two to bolster the latter. With the on-field battles done for now, the USWNT will continue their fearless campaign off the field. A new ESPN deal with the NWSL shows the ripples are already being sent out. Between getting more exposure for the women’s game and inspiring others to help advance it, the USWNT are well on their way to achieving their goals, whether you like them or not. It leaves the public with the choice of either voicing their support or beating the team to the goal by being better. If you can’t beat them, join them. If you can’t join them, beat them.
