:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68778456/1300513542.0.jpg)
Update 2/8: We have a season.
Statement on MLS Players’ Ratification Vote: https://t.co/Gqk3Ft50Iz
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) February 8, 2021
Players are ready to play. pic.twitter.com/y03JzafjV4
MLS and the MLS Players Association on Friday agreed to a tentative deal on an amended collective bargaining agreement. Montreal-based sports journalist Jeremy Filosa was the first to report the news, with a source confirming the reporting to The Athletic soccer reporter Sam Stejskal.
The MLSPA released an official statement shortly before 9:15 p.m., with the agreement set to be voted on by the players over the weekend.
Statement on tentative agreement reached with MLS: pic.twitter.com/5EAk5fWjxv
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) February 6, 2021
Details of the new CBA remain to be seen, but according to ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle, free agency stands to see a change in 2026 and 2027, with players 24 and older with at least 4 years of service in MLS set to be eligible. In addition, when the league’s new media rights agreement is put into place ahead of the 2023 season, players will be entitled to 12.5 percent of any revenue under the new deal exceeding $100 million in 2023 and 2024, with the amount set to be increased to 25 percent beginning in 2025. In addition, player salaries will see a 10 percent increase in 2027, while minimum salaries are also set to go up.
MLS is set to open its preseason on Feb. 22. The regular season is scheduled to begin on Apr. 3.