The National Women’s Soccer League has reached a $5 million settlement with three attorneys general in New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. over past mistreatment of its athletes. Allegations of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse of players dating back more than 10 years led to the investigation. The league failed to protect its players, according to independent investigations and the attorneys general. As part of the settlement, a $5 million fund will be created for players who experienced abuse to collect compensation. Individual players can still pursue legal action against the league or its teams. Reforms have been implemented in the league, including increased vetting of coaches, mental health support, and training programs to prevent harassment. The NWSL must provide biannual reports to the attorneys general detailing any complaints of misconduct for the next three years. Failure to comply could result in an additional penalty of $2 million. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has been working to reform the league since taking over in 2022, including implementing the league’s first collective bargaining agreement and issuing lifetime bans against former coaches involved in misconduct. The league has seen growth, with the recent addition of a 16th franchise in Denver, which sold for a record $110 million expansion fee.
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