Welcome to Axis ProRata, where we take just 10 minutes to get you smarter on the

conclusion of tech, business, and politics. I'm Dan for Mac. On today's show, WeWorks' former

CEO file suit and COVID death counts become partisan. But first, U.S. women's soccer loses.

So that is not a phrase we have heard very often. But on Friday, a federal judge

rejected the U.S. women's team's claims that they've been underpaid in comparison to the men.

It was a stunning ruling based on what many had believed was a pretty open and shut case of

gender discrimination. Here is Megan Rapino's reaction during an interview with ABC's Good Morning

America. I was very shocked with the ruling and the explanation that was given.

Basically, it's like if I earn $1, every time I play in a man earns $3.

Just because I win 10 games and he only wins three games and so I made $10 and he made $9.

I'm not sure how that's me making more money while having to essentially win everything that we could possibly have won over these past few years.

So a few things to know.

First, as Rapino says, the U.S. women did earn more money last year than did the men.

But that's because they played a lot more games.

Remember, the men didn't even qualify for the World Cup.

Two, there is confusion over what the U.S. women were and weren't offered in 2017.

The judge say that they turned down a deal very similar to what the men got, whereas the women say that is a misreading of the contracts.

Three, the judge did reject their claims on pay, but preserved ones about other unequal treatment.

Things like travel, accommodations, and team staffing.

Four, Megan Rapino and Alex Morgan say they plan to appeal.

The bottom line, the ultimate outcome of this case will have immediate financial results for the U.S. women's soccer players,

but much more lasting ramifications for the female athletes who

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