Tentative Agreement Reached for USL Championship Players
The United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association have announced a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for players in the USL Championship (USL-C). This milestone was disclosed on Wednesday, marking an important step in labor relations within the league.
Terms and Duration of the Proposed CBA
If approved by both parties, the new CBA is set to run until 2030, with the potential for an extension to 2031 should certain health insurance criteria be met. This development comes as the USL is also in the process of establishing a new Division 1 league, the USL Premier, which aims to introduce a promotion and relegation system by 2028.
Lengthy Negotiations Precede Agreement
The negotiation period has spanned since August 2024, involving over 60 rounds of discussions. The previous CBA expired on December 31, 2025, making timely resolution imperative for both players and league officials.
Inclusion of USL League 1 Players
While USL League 1 players are represented in the negotiations by the USL Players Association, they have a separate CBA. Some of the terms established in the new agreement will also apply to the USL Premier league.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The new CBA proposes several significant changes, including an extension of the minimum contract period from 10 to 12 months, an increase in the minimum base salary, and comprehensive health insurance coverage for all players. Additionally, the agreement aims to eliminate unilateral contract buyouts and enhance player compensation related to name, image, and likeness (NIL). Discussions have also addressed scenarios involving players signed to teams that suspend operations.
Salary Adjustments and Entry-Level Contracts
Under the proposed terms, the standard minimum salary for USL-C players will rise from $31,000 to $42,000 in 2026. For players in the upcoming USL Premier league, the minimum salary is expected to reach $67,000 upon the league’s launch in 2028. Entry-level contracts, which will phase out by 2026, currently offer salaries ranging from $26,000 to $34,000 for USL-C and $50,000 for USL Premier. Each team in USL-C can issue up to four entry-level contracts, while USL Premier teams may offer six.
Insurance and Future Considerations
Although the contentious unilateral mid-season contract buyout has been eliminated, out-of-season contract purchases remain a possibility. Clubs are tasked with providing health insurance that matches what is available to team front office staff, but a league-wide player health insurance plan could also be negotiated later, which would extend the CBA by an additional year.
Ongoing Issues Regarding NIL Rights
The agreement leaves some aspects of NIL rights unresolved, particularly as they pertain to other leagues like USL League 1, USL Premier, and the USL Super League. The USL plans to contribute to a NIL fund, with individual clubs expected to make additional contributions, ensuring that players benefit from their personal brand and image.
Enhanced Protections for Players
The proposed CBA also outlines increased protections for players affiliated with teams that may enter a hiatus. These protections will vary based on the timeline of a team’s decision to pause operations, reflecting the league’s commitment to safeguarding player interests during uncertain times.
