Overview

• Seattle Sounders players donned shirts reading “Club World Cash Grab” and “Fair Share Now” during warm-ups to demand a larger slice of Club World Cup payouts.
• Under the current collective bargaining agreement, players receive just 50% of non-MLS tournament bonuses, capped at $1 million per team.
• The MLSPA issued a statement backing the Sounders and urged MLS to negotiate bonus terms after months of private discussions.
• FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, which kicks off June 14 across 11 U.S. cities, guarantees each MLS qualifier a $9.55 million participation payout.
• MLS has not publicly responded to the players’ demands as tensions rise ahead of the tournament start.