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The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has reached a $5 million settlement with attorneys general from New York, Illinois, and the District of Columbia following an investigation into the league’s widespread mistreatment of players.

While prior probes conducted by King & Spalding LLP and the league itself in 2022 exposed extensive sexual misconduct and abuse by multiple NWSL coaches—resulting in firings and reforms—no financial compensation had been provided to the victims until now.

That changed with the conclusion of the attorneys general’s investigation, which found the NWSL was “permeated by a culture of inappropriate and abusive behavior, including sexual harassment and harassment and discrimination based upon gender, race, and sexual orientation.”

$5M Players' Restitution Fund Established

To avoid litigation, the league agreed to allocate $5 million into a Players’ Restitution Fund, designed to compensate current or former players who suffered conduct constituting Serious Misconduct Involving Player Safety, per the terms of the settlement.

The fund will be administered by Bracewell LLP partner and former New York federal judge Barbara S. Jones, who will oversee payments to victims. Additionally, the settlement specifies that two previously settled claims against the NWSL may receive a net payment of $1 million from the fund.

Legal and League Leadership React

NWSL Players Association Executive Director Meghann Burke emphasized that the settlement not only acknowledges past failures but, for the first time, establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law to hold the league accountable and prevent future harm.

At a press conference, New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that the $5 million figure was determined based on an assessment of current and former players who experienced harassment, discrimination, or abuse by coaches or individuals in power within the NWSL.

James also indicated that Jones will remain in contact with the attorneys general to evaluate whether the fund is adequate for the number of claims. While James acknowledged the possibility of further action if the fund is depleted, she stated that the amount is expected to be sufficient for now.

New Oversight and Reforms

In addition to the financial settlement, the league has committed to a series of new oversight measures, expanding on the reforms enacted after the abuse allegations surfaced.

The agreement mandates that:

• Coaches will no longer control player trades, housing, medical decisions, or other personal aspects of a player’s life.
• Mandatory training will be implemented for all players and staff, covering bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, racism, and retaliation.

Investigations led by King & Spalding, including a report by former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, uncovered a disturbing pattern of coaches sexually assaulting players, coercing them into relationships, and crossing professional boundaries.

As a result, four former coaches were permanently banned from the league:

• Paul Riley (Portland Thorns)
• Rory Dames (Chicago Red Stars)
• Christy Holly (Racing Louisville)
• Richie Burke (Washington Spirit)

Additionally, Chicago Red Stars were fined $1.5 million, while the Portland Thorns faced a $1 million penalty. Both franchises were also ordered to be sold.

NWSL Commissioner Pledges Continued Accountability

With the NWSL $5M settlement, the league takes a significant step toward acknowledging past failures, compensating victims, and enacting long-term structural reforms to prevent future abuse.