MLS’ referee lockout FINALLY ends as they agree to a new CBA with officials expected to return to league action this weekend
Major League Soccer and its referees have announced a seven-year labor contract, ending a 37-day lockout that led to the use of replacement officials, as they’re now expected to return to league action this weekend.
The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) said on Monday they had ratified an agreement reached last week that runs until January 31, 2031.
The PSRA has about 260 members.
Replacement officials were used in the first five weeks of the season, drawing some criticism.
As part of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will technically run through the 2030 MLS season, referees will receive significant raises, as will video assistant and assistant referees.
Referee Scott Bowman takes out a yellow card during Toronto’s match against Atlanta in March
In the past, referees with less than two years of league experience made $50,000 in base pay. Starting this year, that salary will increase by $35k to a base pay of $85k.
By 2030, referees are expected to make $110,000.
MLS matchday officials with more experience, meaning those who have called 200 matches or more, will see their pay increase from $108,000 to $142,000 with the new agreement.
They are expected to make more than $182,000 by the end of the seven-year term.
The ‘match fee’ referees are paid, intended for travel and accommodations, will also go up from $1350 to $1500.
The previous CBA had been in place since 2014. That season from a decade over also included MLS referees leading a lockout for the first two weeks of that season before the league and PRSA reach an agreement.
More to follow…
