After several days of intense negotiating, MLS Officials, team owners, and the players have reach and agreement for the new MLS CBA. The last 48 hours of negotiations were stressful on all those involved, but fans stayed in the loop thanks to a few dedicated journalists through Twitter. These faithful few deserve the gratitude of MLS fans everywhere.
Negotiations throughout the day hinged on three key factors. The first, and most important was free agency for the players. MLS and the owners feared that the bargaining chip free agency offered players would put too much financial strain on the league and open up the potential for long term harm. Players consistently stated they wanted more freedom in their career opportunities. Late on Tuesday, word leaked that MLS was willing to negotiate on FA if the terms were set right. Preliminary offers granting players aged 32 with ten years of MLS service free agency were rejected as too strict. It should also be noted that only Brad Davis of the Houston Dynamo qualified. By the end of proceedings early Wednesday morning, sources were claiming the restrictions have been dropped to 28 years old with eight years of MLS service.
The second big factor was how much salary increase a free agent could take. Numbers ranged anywhere from 5% up to 15%. Too small of a percentage and the bottom of the pay scale would hardly get a raise. But if the percentage got too high, MLS might end up owing a player close to $100k a year more.
The third key factor in the debate was the length of the new CBA. A short CBA benefits the players more as they get to renegotiate sooner for even better benefits. Clearly, the somewhat paranoid owners were hoping for a long CBA locked in the lower stipulations. Young MLS stars and non starters were by far the ones with the most to lose. Locking themselves in to a long CBA that wasn't favorable has the greatest impact overall. With raises appearing to be percentage based, they would be smaller for longer based on the current MLS salary structure.
One element that many may have expected to be contested was the overall salary cap in MLS. But I think MLS, MLSPU and the fans all realized this was going to increase regardless of the negotiations and that it was just a bargaining chip in the grand scheme of the debate. With almost $100m in new TV deals, MLS could afford to pay everyone more and raise the cap without adding a massive financial burden on themselves.
The final element that was always going to be discussed, but not mentioned in the media was the league's minimum salary. At $36,500 in 2014, it was bound to be increased. The amount of the increase was likely to be another bargaining chip used by both sides. Giving the players a higher base can extend the CBA length while players taking less could easily shorten the CBA length.
While no concrete details have been released yet, Twitter is giving fans an insight into what has happen.
Soccer By Ives has mentioned free agency for 28 year old players that have been with MLS for 8 years. Ives also claims the teams voted in favor of the new CBA 13-7 with KC, RSL, RBNY, NYC, MON, FCD, and COL all voting no. Simon Evans, @sgenavs, Tweeted " Free agency deal is 28 yr old after 8 years in league I am told. Salary cap up, min wage up." In another tweet @AdamJardy reaffirms claims that the minimum salary and salary cap are increasing; "Hearing numbers like a seven-year deal, 15 percent increase in the cap and $60,000 minimum salary. #MLSCBA"
Vavel will bring you more details as they become available and a full recap of the new CBA as soon as the details are made public.