MLS, MLS Players Association reach tentative agreement on new CBA

MLS has been threatening to lockout their own players the past few weeks, as the team owners demanded a new CBA, to replace the CBA signed just last summer, which itself replaced the CBA that was tentatively agreed to but never formally ratified last February.

It appears the crisis is averted, as the league and MLS Players Association came to a tentative agreement on a new CBA ahead of the 2021 season on Friday, hours before the latest self-imposed deadline by the league.

The news was confirmed by the MLSPA Friday evening.

The bargaining committee and executive committee approved the agreement Friday evening, with the final ratification vote going up to full membership Saturday.

The new CBA is believed to extend through the 2027 season, something MLS owners sought, while the players will get improved free agency terms at the end of the deal and some improved financial terms that they lost during the pandemic.

Obviously, the deal is not done-done until the membership ratifies the agreement, but it looks pretty likely.

What does that mean for us who are not team owners or players? It means the season will proceed as planned (assuming no more shutdowns, etc.) beginning in April. And it means preseason will open Feb. 22 or thereabouts.

It also means teams that may have been waiting until this was cleared up before making signings can get back to work. Here’s hoping that’s the case for the San Jose Earthquakes!

What do you think? Leave a comment below.