Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) have agreed to extend the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which had been due to expire on Jan. 31, through Feb. 7.
The move is not surprising. Historically, the real deadline has been the start of the regular season, which for the upcoming campaign begins on Feb. 29. The last two CBA's weren't approved until just prior to the start of league play. A complicating factor is the scheduling of matches in the Concacaf Champions League. Those games -- involving Atlanta United, LAFC, the Montreal Impact, New York City FC, and reigning MLS Cup champions the Seattle Sounders -- begin on Feb. 18.
Sources have told ESPN that the two sides have been engaged in lengthy talks this week, meeting every day, with the sessions lasting into the evening. One source said that, "Things are getting done, but there's more work to be done." Another source characterized the talks as "slow going" but added that the presence of MLS owners at the bargaining table was a positive sign. In previous meetings, MLS has been represented by league executives as well as its legal counsel.
The MLSPA is aiming for increased freedom of movement for players, a greater ability to compete for salary dollars by relaxing salary budget rules, greater team autonomy in building rosters, increased minimum salaries, and a greater use of charter flights.