U.S. Soccer Players Vote to Strike as Labor Negotiations Reach Breaking Point
The United Soccer League Players Association, which represents athletes in the USL Championship Division, has given approval for a work stoppage if negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the USLPA and USL fail to reach resolution.
This development, confirmed by both the USL and USLPA, could potentially delay the season's planned commencement date of March 6, even as numerous teams are nearing completion of their preseason training camps.
Negotiations between both parties have been ongoing since August 2024, becoming increasingly urgent following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, as the existing CBA expired on December 31, 2025.
What Are USL Players Asking For?
What Are USL Players Asking For?
Discussions have centered primarily on advancing the professional status of the USL's premier division, with athletes demanding year-round contracts and compensation comparable to other professional leagues globally. The ultimate goal is to establish uniform minimum standards for players regarding both on-field and off-field matters across all franchises, encompassing accommodation, training facilities, and healthcare provisions.
The year-round contract provision has already been accepted. Nevertheless, a significant obstacle in talks has been the USL's suggestion for three unilateral contract terminations over a two-year period, where the league would compensate 75% of a player's wages in the initial contract year if terminated and 50% in following years. These payments would cover only base compensation—excluding housing stipends or medical benefits.
This proposal is less favorable than the MLS standard, which permits two terminations per season, with the league and franchise jointly responsible for 100% of the remaining contract value.
Additionally, disputes persist concerning uniform medical coverage for athletes, as the previous CBA did not require clubs to provide healthcare benefits, despite approximately 80% choosing to offer such coverage. The USLPA aims to mandate standardized health benefits league-wide, rather than allowing individual clubs to decide, as the USL prefers.
Player Association Threatens Strike
Player Association Threatens Strike
USL Statement pic.twitter.com/1tbXg7yPz4
"With seven days remaining before the 2026 season opener, United Soccer League Players Association members continue without a new collective bargaining agreement after 547 days of discussions with the United Soccer League and its USL Championship franchises," the USLPA stated.
"This week, approximately 90% of the athlete roster participated in voting on the League's most recent offer. Roughly 90% of the players voted against it and empowered the player-elected negotiating committee to pursue all necessary actions, including initiating a work stoppage if talks fail to yield an acceptable agreement."
"Athletes are readying themselves for the Championship season's start while continuing to advocate for an agreement that embodies genuine professional standards. Players stand united in their pursuit of a fair contract that ensures fundamental protections, secure working environments, and standards befitting professional athletes."
The USL responded: "We have been negotiating honestly with the USLPA for over a year and remain dedicated to achieving a fair and viable collective bargaining agreement. Throughout this period, we have convened regularly—including through mediation—and have achieved significant advancement on crucial issues highlighted by the players."
While present negotiations seem to have reached an impasse, the situation gained significant attention at the conclusion of the 2025 season, when Pittsburgh Riverhounds and FC Tulsa donned jerseys displaying "Pro Rel? Try Pro Standards First," before the USL Championship Final.
The Riverhounds proceeded to claim the championship, but did not receive a complete trophy ceremony. The USLPA informed Sports Illustrated that it understood the confetti, banners and other ceremonial items were available on-site, but the celebration was called off due to the player demonstration.
"Athletes are dissatisfied because professional soccer cannot thrive without professional standards," the USLPA commented then. "Secure working conditions, equitable compensation and employer-sponsored healthcare are not discretionary; they are essential to player wellbeing, the League's reputation and enhanced fan interest and participation."
USL Plans New Top Division, South Georgia Tormenta Fold
USL Plans New Top Division, South Georgia Tormenta Fold
While current discussions focus on the 2026 season as an immediate priority, the CBA may also encompass a new USL Premier Division, the proposed top-tier division the USL aims to establish to compete with MLS and eventually implement promotion and relegation throughout the USL structure.
The proposed system, which the USL plans to launch in 2028, would establish a hierarchy with the USL Premier at the top, followed by the professional USL Championship and USL League One, with some participation from semi-professional USL League 2 clubs.
However, these plans face additional challenges, particularly given that South Georgia Tormenta, one of USL League One's notable franchises, announced it would discontinue operations fewer than two weeks before the 2026 USL League One season's commencement.
The USLPA informed Sports Illustrated that Tormenta players had reported, undergone medical assessments, secured housing agreements and some had moved their families. Meanwhile, international players entered the United States with work permits, only to find training sessions never commenced. The franchise failed to secure workers' compensation insurance—a required provision under the USL League 1 CBA.
Without proper coverage, players could not participate in official training sessions legally or safely.
While Tormenta's situation and the USL Premier's future are not immediate concerns for 2026, they represent larger worries for the USLPA regarding the entire league system's direction. For the USLPA, the crucial issue is ensuring that increased expenses and professional standardization efforts result in improved conditions for the athletes.