The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has reached a settlement in a landmark case tied to abuse allegations that shook the league in 2021. The settlement includes the creation of a $5 million fund for players who experienced emotional and sexual misconduct, a move that follows years of scrutiny and investigation into the league’s culture.
Attorneys general from Washington, D.C., New York, and Illinois—Brian L. Schwalb, Letitia James, and Kwame Raoul, respectively—announced the agreement on Wednesday. The fund will be allocated to players who endured abuse, with the settlement also ensuring that the safeguards implemented after extensive investigations will remain in place.
In 2021, former players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim came forward with accusations against former coach Paul Riley, alleging sexual harassment and coercion during his tenure with the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage. Riley, who denies the allegations, was fired from the Courage and was one of five NWSL coaches to either resign or be dismissed amid similar misconduct claims. The league’s commissioner at the time also stepped down.
The NWSL and U.S. Soccer launched investigations into the allegations, with a report led by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates concluding that emotional and sexual abuse were systemic across the league. As a result, the NWSL took steps to implement new measures to protect players, and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) secured further protections in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
“This settlement is only possible because of the players who had the courage to share their stories and expose the league’s systemic failures,” said Washington, D.C., Attorney General Schwalb. “While no amount of money can fully compensate for the abuse, this settlement ensures that those who endured this trauma receive some measure of justice and that their voices have been heard.”
The settlement also gives the attorneys general oversight of the changes the league has made, including policies aimed at ensuring player safety. This includes the ability to fine the NWSL if it fails to uphold these measures.
NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke stressed that this settlement is a direct result of the league’s failure to protect players and the bravery of those who spoke out. “The human rights and civil rights violations endured by players were enabled by a system that failed in its most basic duty: to protect its players,” she said. “For the first time, this settlement holds the NWSL accountable under the law.”
As part of the settlement, the NWSL must continue to uphold a series of safeguards, including comprehensive vetting of team personnel, accessible abuse-reporting mechanisms, free and unlimited counseling for players, and a dedicated safety officer. Furthermore, teams will no longer be allowed to investigate themselves in abuse cases, ensuring that external oversight is maintained.
The league, which began in 2013 and now boasts 14 teams (with two more joining in 2026), has faced significant challenges over the past few years but has made notable strides in addressing its past failures.
“This settlement sends a strong message that misconduct of this nature will not be tolerated,” said New York Attorney General James. “It ensures players have the compensation and protections they deserve, and it sets a new standard for the safety of athletes in every sport.”
The NWSL has taken significant steps to change its culture, but this settlement signals that the journey to rebuild trust with its players and fans is far from over. With the establishment of the player fund and ongoing oversight, the hope is that future players will never face the same systemic abuse.