2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Closes with Second-Straight North Carolina Tournament Crown, Record Bonus Pool Payout for Players
Published on September 12, 2023 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
NEW YORK - The 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, the first U.S. women's soccer tournament to achieve a pay equity milestone, came to a close Saturday, September 9, as the North Carolina Courage became the only club to repeat as Challenge Cup champions, defeating Racing Louisville FC, 2-0, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, to secure the club's second-straight tournament crown.
Becoming the youngest player to either start or score in a Challenge Cup final, 19-year-old Japanese international and Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo was named the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Final MVP after doubling the lead for her club with a spectacular goal in the second half of the game.
Matsukubo will receive an additional cash prize from the historic $1.1 million bonus pool from UKG for her performance during the match.
In an effort to radically increase equity and financial impact for all NWSL athletes competing for a cut of the highly anticipated $1.1 million 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup prize pool, $363,000 was allocated toward all players who competed in Challenge Cup games, while approximately $300,000 and $200,000 was awarded to North Carolina and Racing Louisville players, respectively, for competing in the final, and $100,000 was split between Kansas City and OL Reign semifinalists. The remainder of the pool was allocated towards additional appearance bonuses as well as tournament awards.
"The weather didn't stand a chance at stopping the world-class athletes on Racing Louisville and the North Carolina Courage from completing this historic 2023 Challenge Cup," said Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer at UKG. "UKG is beyond proud to provide this record purse as a symbol for all of us to continue to fight together for equity of opportunity in the world of sport and beyond. If we tug on enough minds and enough hearts with our actions, we can finally close the wage gap for good."
In addition to a record purse, this year's Challenge Cup also saw several records and milestones achieved on the pitch, including the first-ever hat trick in tournament play, courtesy of Cup MVP Kristen Hamilton, and new marks for the shortest timespan to score four, five and six goals in any NWSL competition.
The 2023 NWSL campaign continues this Friday, September 15 as the league returns to regular season action. The regular season concludes October 15 ahead of the 2023 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Bud Light.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from September 12, 2023
- Orlando Pride Signs Goalkeeper Kaylie Collins to New Contract; Loaned to Western Sydney Wanderers FC - Orlando Pride
- Orlando Pride Signs 2023 NWSL Draft Pick Tori Hansen to New Deal; Defender Loaned to Melbourne Victory FC - Orlando Pride
- Kansas City Current to Face CF Monterrey Femenil in Club's First International Club Friendly, Presented by Bud Light - Kansas City Current
- 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Closes with Second-Straight North Carolina Tournament Crown, Record Bonus Pool Payout for Players - NWSL
- Five Spirit Players Called up to USWNT for Two September Friendly Matches - Washington Spirit
- OL Reign Exercises Option on Midfielder Jess Fishlock's Contract - Seattle Reign FC
- Racing Star DeMelo Called up to U.S. Women's National Team September Camp - Racing Louisville FC
- Three Chicago Red Stars Called up to United States Women's National Team - Chicago Stars FC
- Naomi Girma, Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw Called into U.S. Women's National Team Training Camp - San Diego Wave FC
- Coffey, Dunn Named to U.S. Women's National Team Training Camp Roster for September Friendlies against South Africa - Portland Thorns FC
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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