The federal court's decision means that the women's team's lawsuit against their own football union for equal pay does not go to trial
"WNT (women's national team) has received greater compensation, both accumulated and averaged per match, than what the national team has received during the current period," writes Judge R Gary Klausner in the judgment, US media reports.
The union lifted other benefits The
players had demanded the equivalent of SEK 647 million in compensation for gender discrimination.
The union claimed that the ladies in their negotiation had waived the bonus men receive. Instead, the women's team receives guaranteed basic salary, health insurance, paid childcare and pension agreements, which the men have not agreed to.
The court went there on the union's line, but also ruled that the women's team is not treated equally in terms of travel, training opportunities, medical assistance and housing.
"Shocked and disappointed"
A trial regarding these points can thus be initiated, starting on 16 June.
After the verdict, star Megan Rapinoe tweeted that "We will never stop fighting for equality" and that the women's team will appeal the decision.
- We are shocked and disappointed at today's verdict, but we will not give up our hard fight for equal pay, says team spokesman Molly Levinson.
The United States women's team is the reigning world champion and ranked one in the world. The men's national team is currently ranked 22nd in the world.