AGs Schwalb, James, and Raoul announced a landmark settlement with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after numerous players came forward with allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct and an independent investigation subsequently found that emotional abuse, discrimination, and sexual coercion were systemic across the League. Following these reports, the Attorneys General launched a joint investigation that found widespread violations of players’ fundamental rights. This settlement requires the NWSL to create a $5 million fund to compensate players who were abused and continue implementation of comprehensive reforms to improve player safety and well-being. Additionally, it gives the three state Attorneys General the ability to oversee and enforce new League protocols and protections for players.

“Today’s settlement is only possible because of the players who courageously stepped forward to tell their stories and expose the League’s systemic failures. While NWSL has made critical improvements, the victims never received any compensation for the sexual and emotional abuse they endured on the League’s watch. No dollar amount could ever fully address the damage that was inflicted, but now my office, together with New York and Illinois, will have oversight authority to ensure that the League’s new safety policies are implemented and that current and future players are protected.” – AG Schwalb