The Women's World Cup champion U.S. Women's National Team is back in the United States and they are getting ready for a rally in Los Angeles today. But New Yorkers seem excited about giving them a ticker tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes—now we just need to get Mayor de Blasio to make it happen. So check out this petition.
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer wrote in a letter to de Blasio, "With their thrilling 5-2 victory over Japan to claim the 2015 Women’s World Cup title, the US Women’s National Team set an amazing example for athletes across our great nation. I can think of no better way to honor these amazing athletes than by hosting a ticker-tape parade in the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan." She also noted, "New York City has a strong history of honoring sports achievements in the Canyon of Heroes, but has never held a parade to honor a women’s team."
Supporters of the petition, which has over 2,000 signees, say:
"A parade for this team sends a powerful positive message to my daughters and to girls all over the country. Thanks!"
"The greatest city in the world should celebrate the greatest soccer players in the world. Where else?"
"These women represent the essence of what being a great athlete truly means in the rawest form. No high pay along the way for these ladies...and look what they accomplished. I am amazed and honored to have witnessed such team work and selflessness. Thank you World Cup Champions!! You are more than deserving of a NYC Ticker-Tape Parade."
"This is ridiculous. Let's get this parade going."
De Blasio is still on his family vacation in the Southwest, but spokeswoman Karen Hinton told the Observer, "The mayor’s office congratulates the US Women’s World Cup Championship team on its tremendous achievement, and is currently exploring logistics and talking with the team and other partners about a possible ticker tape parade."
As for U.S. Soccer, a spokeswoman said that nothing is confirmed yet, as the women's team is working on various plans for their post-victory lap.
Not to be a downer, but also keep in mind that even though the Women's World Cup final was the most-watched soccer game in U.S. history, the USWNT makes a lot less than the men: The USWNT will get $2 million in bonus money, while the German team, which won the 2014 World Cup, got $35 million in bonuses. Also, NWSL players make a maximum $37,800 a year (that's what Carli Lloyd makes with the Houston Dash) while the men's average salary in the MLS is $305,809.
