Mexico Takes on Gender Pay Gaps in Sports

Mexican Senate committees have thrown their weight behind a bill advocating for fair pay in women's sports. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard the labor rights of professional athletes by outlawing wage discrimination based on gender. The outcome of this initiative may significantly shape the future landscape of women's sports and elevate the perceived value of their contributions.

In soccer, the most popular sport in the world, there exists a glaring gender pay gap. In the United Kingdom, male soccer players from top-league clubs command an average annual salary of approximately US$3,780,000, juxtaposed with female counterparts in the Women’s Super League (WSL) earning around US$40,500. Similarly, in the United States, male soccer players receive an average compensation of about US$471,279, while their female counterparts earn roughly US$54,000 on average. In Mexico male soccer players in the top tier enjoy an average monthly salary of about US$37,185.47, while female players receive US$177.6, as outlined in the proposed legislation.

While the bill strives to institute equal base pay for all athletes in sports, its practical implementation remains obscure. Mariana Gutierrez, Head of Sport Development, Women's Soccer League Mexico, has voiced concerns about the potential costs associated with the initiative, sparking discussions about the necessary equilibrium between promoting equity and maintaining financial viability. According to UCL School of Management, providing equal pay to women in sports is often hindered by a disparity in market appeal in comparison to men's sports, as evidenced by factors such as TV coverage, interest, and ticket sales. In 2021, Deloitte anticipated that the revenue generated by women's sports would be less than US$1billion. 

However, the successful passage of this legislation through the Senate and lower house could position Mexico as a trailblazer in addressing gender pay disparities in sports. The proposed law would also extend these protections against other forms of discrimination including disability, race, social status, and religion.

Thayer Lavielle, Executive Vice President, The Collective Wasserman, asserts that supporting women's sports and fostering a sustainable, fair future where women are compensated based on their value is crucial. “When the compensation picture for women athletes is right-sized, a new economy of sports will emerge,” she told Sportico.