Unfair Salaries and Unstable Income Sources Lead to Stress for Female Athletes in the Sports World
Unfair Salaries and Unstable Income Sources Lead to Stress for Female Athletes in the Sports World
It's undeniable that women's sports are gaining traction, with increased fan engagement, amplified broadcasts, and global recognition of stars like Caitlin Clark. However, despite this rise, female athletes deal with substantial challenges. Equal pay, unpredictable income, and disparate treatment compared to men's team counterparts create significant stress. This stress impacts not just their emotional well-being and mental health but also the longevity of their careers.
A report by Parity, an organization committed to eliminating income and opportunity gaps in professional sports, underscores the mental toll of these disparities on female athletes. Systematic adjustments across all sporting leagues are necessary to bridge the gap between male and female athletes' treatment levels.
The Financial Burden on Female Athletes
Parity surveyed 500 professional female athletes and discovered that 78% earned less than $50,000 from their sport in 2023, with 58% earning less than $25,000. Their income often fails to cover the expenses associated with professional competition, such as travel and equipment. Over half of the surveyed athletes reported their out-of-pocket expenses surpassed their earnings, creating a financial strain.
Male athletes often earn more and experience less income inconsistency. The survey revealed that 40% of female athletes described their earnings as inconsistent, frequently requiring additional jobs to meet their financial obligations.
Brittni Mason, a five-time Paralympic medalist and world record holder, shared her experience: “Despite my achievements, I've relied on sponsors or side jobs to survive and train. The differences in sponsorships, prize money, and funding for women's sports are stark. Addressing these disparities is vital to minimize future difficulties for upcoming athletes."
The Impact on Mental Health
The financial inequality exerts a ripple effect on the mental well-being of female athletes. Parity found that 93% of respondents reported feeling financially stressed, with 64% feeling "very stressed" or "extremely stressed." This stress results in ongoing anxiety, causing almost two-thirds of female athletes to consider retiring due to financial pressure. The study also revealed that 63% of female athletes work during their athletic season, requiring them to balance their work commitments and personal life.
Alex Morgan, a 2-time World Cup Champion and Gold Medalist, highlighted the inequalities and the additional burdens faced by female athletes. “While juggling numerous responsibilities with scant pay, the pressure to do more due to unequal salaries means we strain ourselves,” said Morgan. Female athletes also face unique challenges, such as family planning, which are often not supported by institutional structures. From maternity leave to mental health resources, the lack of tailored support exacerbates the challenges they face.
It's crucial to recognize the (subtle) messaging sent by their own leagues and teams. I've observed this firsthand in NBA and WNBA environments. In 2024, the minimum salary in the WNBA was just over $64,000, while the minimum salary in the NBA was more than $1 million. Even medical and mental health services reimbursement could be 50% lower for the WNBA compared to the NBA, despite providing the same service in different environments.
This disparity can negatively affect female athletes' self-worth and overall mental health. Flying commercial or staying in budget accommodations contrasts starkly with the luxury experiences of their male counterparts in the same sport, leaving female athletes feeling undervalued.
The Role of Sponsors and Leagues
Morgan and Mason emphasized the importance of sponsors and professional leagues in addressing these disparities. Solutions like offering maternity leave, low-cost fertility clinics, and on-site mental health professionals were suggested. Morgan noted the significant impact of having an on-site mental health professional or well-being coach: “Creating a holistic support system for female athletes would be transformative.” Parity study indicated that a $20,000 annual sponsorship would be “very meaningful” or “life-changing” for 88% of respondents.
Addressing the Structural Issues
Many female athletes grapple daily with performing at their best while navigating an industry that often devalues their contributions relative to their male counterparts. Mason summed it up, emphasizing the need for institutional changes to create stability and confidence for female athletes: “Structural changes are key to establish a strong foundation and confidence for female athletes, both during their careers and after retirement—We need programs for skill development, mental health, career planning, and mentorship.”
Parity CEO, Leela Srinivasan, stressed the importance of increased accessibility and visibility: “Higher media exposure can bring women's sports to wider audiences, making them more accessible and appealing.” Systemic changes are essential to ensure the stability and success of women's sports for future generations.
Female athletes like Alex Morgan and Brittni Mason, who have achieved great success in their respective fields, have spoken out about the mental health impact of income disparities. The Parity report found that 93% of surveyed athletes felt financially stressed, with many considering retirement due to financial pressure.
The financial burdens faced by female athletes contribute to a lack of parity in athletics. Brittni Mason, a five-time Paralympic medalist, highlights the stark disparities in sponsorships, prize money, and funding, which can significantly impact a female athlete's career and mental health.