Level Playing Field: Addressing Pay Disparity in Sports
Tanmayi Prabhune
TY BSc
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Andy Murray and Serena Williams play mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2019.
Source: Brian Minkoff-London Pixels
As Wimbledon plays out this month on the iconic grass courts of London, the world turns its gaze once again to tennis. Amidst the powerful serves and volleys of stars like Alcaraz and Sabalenka, another critical match unfolds quietly yet persistently—the battle for gender pay parity.
It wasn’t until 2007 that women received equal prize money to men at Wimbledon, a milestone achieved after considerable pressure from influential figures like Venus Williams and the Women’s Tennis Association. Most other major tournaments have since followed suit, albeit on varying timelines, highlighting a broader global trend towards equality in sports economics.
Despite strides in some sports, the undervaluation of women’s sports remains a pervasive issue. Worldwide, the most prominent gender pay gap exists in football. Women athletes often face unequal pay and sponsorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
For instance, the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup final attracted 22% more American viewers than the men’s final the previous year, yet the prize money remained disparate. The US women’s team earned USD 4 million for their World Cup victory, just 7.5% of what the French men’s team received in 2018.
In basketball, the NBA’s annual revenue reaches billions, with top players earning substantial salaries and endorsements, while WNBA players’ salaries are much lower, and endorsements are less frequent. Similarly, in golf, prize money for women’s tournaments is significantly lower than men’s, despite similar skill and competitive intensity. These disparities reflect broader societal biases and historical neglect, limiting the growth and recognition of women’s sports globally.
The main justification often cited for this gap is the lower popularity and subsequently lesser revenue generated by women’s sports. Historically, women have faced significant barriers, including restrictions on participation and the development of professional leagues. The first women’s professional sports league emerged in the 1940s, accompanied by stringent dress codes and behavioral standards. It wasn’t until 1972, with the passing of Title IX in the US, that women gained legal grounds for equal educational and sports opportunities.
Despite these challenges, progress is evident. In tennis, all four Grand Slam tournaments now award equal prize money to both men and women, a change first championed by Billie Jean King at the US Open in 1973 and later adopted by Wimbledon and Roland-Garros in 2007.
Moving forward, increased media coverage and corporate sponsorship are critical in advancing gender equality in sports economics. Initiatives like Sky Sports’ “Rise with Us” campaign have successfully spotlighted women’s sports such as the Women’s Six Nations and WNBA, leading to unprecedented viewership and attendance surges. Brands like Adidas, through campaigns such as “Impossible Is Nothing” and partnerships with female athletes, are increasingly recognizing the marketability and talent in women’s sports.
The momentum toward equitable sports continues to grow. With more advocates for fairness and visibility, we can hope to achieve equal compensation for female athletes, promising a more level playing field for all.