The U.S. Soccer Federation will not pay members of the U.S. men’s Olympic soccer team for participating in the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. While the collective bargaining agreement guarantees equal bonus and prize money for both men’s and women’s national teams at World Cups and other competitions, there is a loophole that excludes compensation for the men’s Olympic team.
The 18 players named to the U.S. women’s Olympic team will receive their full bonuses, which include a $10,000 per-game appearance fee, additional money for wins and ties, and bonuses for winning medals. These bonuses are shared with the men’s senior team, as per the CBA. However, since the men’s team does not compete in the Olympics and the tournament is considered an amateur youth competition, they will not receive compensation.
Despite this, all 25 players in the U-23 pre-Olympic training camp are full-time professionals, with 18 of them having represented the U.S. at the senior level. This includes experienced players like Walker Zimmerman, who played a key role in equalizing World Cup prize money for both men’s and women’s teams.
While FIFA provides more funds for the men’s World Cup compared to the women’s event, U.S. Soccer ensured equal distribution of prize money between the men’s and women’s senior teams. The USSF did not respond to requests for comment on the lack of compensation for the men’s Olympic team.
The U.S. men’s Olympic squad, which recently qualified for the first time since 2008, will not receive payment from the federation for their participation in Paris. Unlike the USWNT, most Olympic athletes, including basketball players, do not receive compensation for competing. Players rely on marketing deals and endorsements to supplement their income.
Doug McIntyre, a soccer writer for FOX Sports, highlighted the discrepancy in payment between the men’s and women’s teams. He has covered multiple FIFA World Cups and continues to provide insights on U.S. soccer teams. Fans can follow him on social media for more updates on the Olympics and other sports events.
