What Really Matters: The 'Goal' of a Lawsuit by Women Soccer Stars

Dan Ashley examines the pay disparity on women's professional sports. (KGO) -- Five star players in women's professional soccer are suing the sport's governing body demanding equal pay.

The suit claims players on the women's national team make only half as much as their male counter-parts - or even less.

This is an important issue in other pro sports played by women as well. Prize money on the ladies golf tour isn't even in the same stratosphere as the men.

The difference, however, is fan base and revenue.

The LPGA draws far fewer spectators and generates much less in revenue. U.S. women's soccer is much more popular and profitable than the men's league, so there is no argument there that the pay disparity is based on revenue.

That's also the case in women's tennis, where men and women win equal prize money, thanks to the sport's massive stars past and present.

I t was led by the great Billie Jean King, who formed the Women's Tennis Association in 1973, to begin the fight for fairness.

For the moment, women's pro basketball and golf are in different places than the men's game.

But soccer is every bit on par and, what really matters, is that they be paid that way.

Each week, ABC7 News Anchor Dan Ashley offers commentary on the important issues affecting people where you live.



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