NWSL solves abuse cases and creates $5 million player fund

The National Women’s Football League will build $5 million in funding for players, part of a solution, a deal stemming from allegations of emotional and sexual misconduct that rocked the league in 2021.

The attorney general of Washington, DC, Illinois and New York announced a settlement with the league on Wednesday.

The funds will be used for players who have experienced abuse. The agreement also requires two investigations released by the league in late 2022 found investigations that found widespread misconduct by multiple teams, coaches and players.

It also gave the attorney General, who was unable to maintain the changes, according to Brian L. of Washington, D.C.

“The solution today is possible because of players who are brave enough to move forward and tell their stories and reveal the league's systematic failures. Despite the important improvements made by the NWSL, the victims have never gained anything for them in Compensation for sexual and emotional abuse suffered on the Alliance watch,” Schwab said in a statement Wednesday.

“There is no dollar amount that can completely resolve the losses caused, but now my office, along with New York and Illinois, will have oversight rights to ensure the implementation of the league’s new security policies and protect current and future players.”

A pair of former players – Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim – stepped up in 2021 and accused long-time NWSL coach Paul Riley of sexual harassment and coercion.

Riley, who denied the allegation, was fired by North Carolina's courage in the aftermath. He is one of five head coaches in the league who were fired or resigned in 2021. The NWSL specialist also resigned.

Both the NWSL and U.S. football investigated the charges. The U.S. Football Report is made by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q.

After the investigation, NWSL implemented changes to protect players. The NWSL Players Association also negotiates safeguards in the league's collective bargaining agreement.

“This investigation was initiated by the NWSLPA because players refuse to face systemic abuse. The human and civil rights violations they suffer are enabled by the system of the most basic responsibility for failure: protecting players.” Meghann Burke, executive director of NWSLPA .

“This settlement not only acknowledges these failures, but also establishes for the first time the law-provided enforcement mechanisms to keep the NWSL accountable and prevent future harm.”

Among safeguards, there are prescribed safeguards that include a comprehensive review of certain team personnel, mechanisms for players to report abuse, access to free and unlimited consultation by players, access to league security officials, and policies that prevent teams from conducting investigations.

NWSL participated in its first season in 2013. The Professional Women's League now has 14 teams, and two more in 2026.

“This settlement gives a clear message that this misconduct will not be tolerated and ensure that players receive the compensation and protection they deserve,” James said in a statement. “Every athlete should be able to be safe.” , competitive in a supportive environment, I thank the brave people for stepping up and sharing their experiences.”