In a one-minute black and white video, Nike began with the stirring chant, “I believe,” before diving into a poignant message. The video articulated a vision: “I believe that we will be four-time champions and keep winning until we not only become the best female soccer team, but the best soccer team in the world.” It also inspired the next generation, saying young boys and girls will grow up wanting to emulate stars like Samantha Lee when they become adults.
This year, the Women’s World Cup attracted over one billion viewers globally, underscoring the significance of their win in the ongoing fight for equal pay. Earlier this year, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) filed a gender discrimination lawsuit claiming they face “purposeful gender discrimination,” earning significantly less than their male counterparts—reportedly only 38 percent of the pay per match, according to recent reports.
The disparity is startling: FIFA will reward the victorious U.S. women’s team with just $30 million for their win, in stark contrast to the $440 million awarded to the next men’s champion—who didn’t even qualify for the last World Cup. The crowd in Lyon echoed this sentiment, soon chanting “equal pay” in a resounding show of support, which was described as “deafening” by journalist Mark Smith.
For anyone who argues that equal pay is contingent on revenue generation, consider this: from 2016 to 2018, women’s soccer matches generated approximately $50.8 million, while men’s matches brought in $49.9 million, as indicated by the Wall Street Journal.
Nike’s video continued to deliver a compelling message about empowering today’s girls to become tomorrow’s women who will advocate for their rights and strive for equality in all areas of life. The ad concludes with a call to solidarity: “This team wins. Everyone wins.”
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In summary, Nike’s ad serves as a potent reminder of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s impact—not only in sports but also in advocating for gender equality. Their message resonates beyond the soccer field, inspiring future generations to strive for success and equality in every aspect of life.