The Women’s World Cup is receiving a significant boost in prize money of over 300% for the upcoming 32-team tournament, with a fund of $152 million US covering prize money, team preparation, and payments to players’ clubs. This is a huge increase from the 24-team edition in 2019 and a ten-fold increase from 2015.
Calls to Dedicate Prize Money to Paying Players
Some of the $110 million in prize money should be dedicated to paying players, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated after being re-elected through 2027. The players’ union FIFPRO has challenged FIFA to ensure a “global guarantee of at least 30% of prize money” is paid to players.
Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority Won’t Sponsor Women’s World Cup
FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will not be sponsored by the Saudi Arabian tourism authority.
There were talks about a possible deal, which caused unease among players and the tournament co-hosts. The decision followed concerns raised by the government and World Cup organizers in both host countries, given Saudi Arabia’s record on women’s rights. Some players, including United States forward Alex Morgan, urged FIFA to reconsider, calling the proposal “bizarre.”
Infantino Calls for Equal Pay and Respect
Infantino called on broadcasters to offer more for TV rights, stating that “women deserve much, much more than that, and we are there to fight for them and with them.”
Female players worldwide have been advocating for equal pay and equal respect with men’s national teams. Infantino has set a target of equal prize money for men and women at their next World Cups, in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Challenges with Broadcasting Rights
Infantino expressed his frustration with broadcasters offering too little for TV rights, including public service channels funded by taxpayers.
He insisted that FIFA would not sell broadcast rights for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand at current prices, given that women’s soccer draws audiences up to 50% less than men’s games.
Infantino emphasized that he is committed to fighting for women’s soccer and urged broadcasters to offer fairer prices, saying, “Well, offer us 20% less, 50% less. But not 100% less. That’s why we can’t do it.”
»FIFA Women’s World Cup Prize Money Boosted by More Than 300%«
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