MLS and MSLPA Reach Agreement on Collective Bargaining Agreement

The announcement dispels the risks of an irreversible labor dispute between MLS and MSLPA, who had agreed on the terms of the collective bargaining agreement until 2025 in February but, due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, have had to reevaluate the original plan.

"Today's vote also finalizes a plan to resume the 2020 season and provides players with certainty for the coming months," a statement from the Association released on Wednesday emphasized.

It is estimated that under the new agreement, players had to make economic concessions resulting in a loss of approximately $100 million in revenue, according to local media calculations.

The concessions include a general salary cut of 7.5% that is not retroactive as of May 31st.

Club owners wanted an 8.75% cut, and although they had to give in to their demands, they did manage to approve a reduction in individual season prizes from 5 million to 1 million, which will be awarded after the tournament in Orlando.

Now, in compliance with the exceptional 'Orlando Plan', it is expected that the 26 teams will be quarantined for approximately six weeks in the Disney hotels in Florida.

All remaining matches of the season will be played behind closed doors at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

Teams are required to arrive at Disney hotels in Florida on June 24th.

Squads will have two weeks to complete a mini-season before the league resumes.

The competition format has not been announced yet, but it is speculated to be similar to that of a World Cup. In this case, with three matches in a group stage followed by knockout rounds leading to the final, which will crown the 2020 champion.