The sides had been operating under the terms of the previous deal, which expired Dec. 31. In recent years, the players have raised issues about compensation and working conditions compared to their male counterparts, casting a shadow over the efforts of the most successful women’s team in soccer history and pitting the federation against wildly popular athletes, such as Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan.

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In March 2016, the players filed a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, charging the USSF with wage discrimination. The case remains active.

“I am incredibly proud of this team and the commitment we have shown through this entire process,” midfielder Megan Rapinoe said after the new deal was finalized. “While I think there is still much progress to be made for us and for women more broadly, I think the should be very proud of this deal and feel empowered moving forward.”

Financial specifics were not immediately available, but people with knowledge of the pact said it includes:

Increase in direct compensation

Increase in bonus compensation

Enhanced benefits related to travel and hotels

Per diem equal to the U.S. men’s team

Greater financial support for players who are pregnant

Financial support for players adopting a child

Also, in a key gain, the players’ association will now control group likeness rights for licensing and nonexclusive rights in sponsorship categories where USSF does not have an agreement. This will allow the union to market the team to different partners and gather internal data in efforts to further drive revenue.

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The deal will run through Dec. 31, 2021, covering the 2019 World Cup in France and 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. It will continue compensating national team players allocated to National Women’s Soccer League teams and require improvements to NWSL standards. The league will kick off its fifth season April 15-16.

“I’m proud of the tireless work that the players and our bargaining team put in to promote the game and ensure a bright future for American players,” defender Meghan Klingenberg said. “We are excited to further strengthen the through our new revenue generating opportunities and abilities.”

The deal came a week after the U.S. women’s hockey team reached a four-year agreement with USA Hockey to end a wage dispute and avoid a boycott of the world championship.

The soccer negotiations turned the corner this winter when the players fired Rich Nichols as their representative. Hope Solo, the controversial goalkeeper, had recommended Nichols for the job. However, his hard-line approach was detrimental to the process, said multiple sources, who described the relationship between the sides as “poor” and “contentious.”

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After the change, individual players, such as defender Becky Sauerbrunn, became more involved.

During a current training camp in Texas, the players and USSF representatives engaged in marathon sessions to iron out, and ultimately ratify, the contract. The team will play two friendlies this week against Russia — at Toyota Stadium in the Dallas suburbs Thursday and at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Sunday.