NWSL to Pay $5 Million in Landmark Abuse Settlement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) will establish a $5 million restitution fund for players as part of a historic settlement announced Wednesday, following a years-long investigation into widespread abuse and misconduct within the league. The settlement, brokered by attorneys general from Washington, D.C., New York, and Illinois, aims to compensate players who endured sexual and emotional abuse while ensuring systemic reforms are implemented and enforced.

The agreement stems from allegations that first surfaced in 2021, when former players accused longtime coach Paul Riley of sexual coercion and other forms of misconduct. Riley, who denied the claims, was among five head coaches fired or resigned that year amid a wave of abuse allegations. The scandal prompted investigations by both the NWSL and U.S. Soccer, revealing systemic failures in player protection and accountability.

“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,” said Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb. “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.”

The settlement mandates the continuation of safeguards introduced in 2023, including comprehensive vetting of team personnel, mechanisms for players to report abuse, access to free and unlimited counseling, and the appointment of a league safety officer. The NWSL must also report its progress to the attorneys general every six months for the next three years, with penalties of up to $2 million for non-compliance.

Retired Judge Barbara S. Jones, who oversaw the 2022 NWSL investigation, will administer the restitution fund. She has 45 days to develop a distribution plan, which must be approved by the attorneys general. Players, both past and present, will then have six months to apply for compensation.

“This $5 million restitution fund is not a gift. Nor is it justice. This fund exists because players refuse to be silenced,” said Tori Huster, NWSL Players Association president and former Washington Spirit player. “This fund is an acknowledgment of unique failures and the harm suffered by players. It’s a testament to the players’ courage and a necessary step toward accountability.”

The NWSL, which launched in 2013, has grown to 14 teams, with two more set to join in 2026. The league has undergone significant changes in leadership and ownership since the scandal, but the settlement marks a critical step in addressing its past failures. “We will continue to do the work necessary to maintain the trust of our players and build an ecosystem where the best in the world want to come,” said current NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman.

The settlement also grants the NWSL Players Association input on hiring decisions for coaches and general managers, further empowering players in shaping the league’s future. “Accountability is not a one-time event,” said Meghann Burke, NWSLPA executive director. “It is an ongoing commitment that never ends.”

The landmark agreement underscores the broader movement for athlete safety and equity in women’s sports, setting a precedent for leagues worldwide.