Gold medal will bring more green to U.S. women's soccer team
By Robert Klemko, USA TODAYLONDON – How much does U.S. soccer value gold in these London Olympics? More than you might guess.
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati says the women's team will split a $1.5 million bonus if the Americans beat Japan in the final here Thursday, which is more than they would earn with a loss, though Gulati declined to specify how much more. The expectation is that the money will be split by the 18 players on the current roster, a pool of about a dozen reserves and training staff. Not every person may receive a full share or a share at all.
In addition, each player would get a $15,000 bonus for silver or a $25,000 bonus for gold from the U.S. Olympic Committee.
On top of that, U.S. Soccer is planning a national tour after the Games, which would consist of at least three games if the U.S. women lose to Japan, and at least 10 if they win.
"There's a lot of money at stake for the players," Gulati said.
Speaking on the eve of the Americans' gold medal game, Gulati lamented the failure of the men's team to qualify for the Olympics, and discussed the desire of U.S. Soccer to see a top-tier women's league emerge stateside. Many of the women on the U.S. roster are without a pro club as a result of the fold of Women's Professional Soccer.
Players have said they would consider international options after the Games. Alex Morgan, hero of the women's semifinal victory vs. Canada, said if there were no American opportunities before the new year, she would begin looking abroad.
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