The article mentions that Mallory is only paid a $15,000/yr salary as a professional women's soccer player, but she also signed a long term contract with Nike.  How much does that pay?

In the same sports section, I read "barriers for women are rapidly being torn down."  I suggest that barriers aren't as big a problem as ratings, which aren't very good for soccer.  Women in tennis and beach volleyball, and of course professional golf, are, for reasons other than the sport, getting more ratings and make more money.