Here’s the honest truth: revenue drives salaries. Men’s football has a century of global infrastructure, massive TV deals, and corporate sponsors that throw cash around like confetti. Women’s football is building that same engine from scratch—and doing it at warp speed.
Us Football Team Equal Pay at Lawrence Hines blog
But look at the numbers: during the 2026 Women’s World Cup, FIFA doubled the prize money to $110 million (still a fraction of the men’s $440 million, but huge progress). Leagues like England’s WSL are drawing record crowds and broadcast deals. Money follows eyeballs, and eyeballs are glued to these matches.
What this means for you and me
Why should you care? Because every time you buy a ticket, stream a game, or buy a jersey with a woman’s name on it, you are voting with your wallet. You are telling the world: “I value this. Pay them more.” It’s a fun kind of power—you, a fan, pushing the needle.
And honestly, watching the women’s game is joyful. It’s creative, technical, and often less theatrical (fewer dramatic dives—just pure skill). You get to root for players who genuinely love the game, and seeing them earn a fairer slice of the pie makes every goal feel even sweeter.
