MLS Referees Ratify Historic Seven-Year Labor Deal, Ending Lockout
The new agreement, which extends through 2031, marks the longest labor deal for match officials in league history and promises significant pay increases.
- Major League Soccer (MLS) and its referees have reached a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement, ending a 37-day lockout.
- The agreement, which runs through 2031, is the longest labor deal for match officials in MLS history.
- Referees will see significant pay increases, with top-scale referees earning a minimum of $200,000 starting in 2028.
- Replacement officials were used during the lockout, leading to several high-profile errors in games.
- The deal was ratified with a 77.4% approval rate among eligible voters from the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA).
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