U.S. Soccer Stars Demand Better Conditions as League Eyes Historic Promotion-Relegation System
Athletes competing in the USL Championship, America's second-division soccer league, demonstrated against league management on Saturday, as FC Tulsa and Pittsburgh Riverhounds players donned USLPA jerseys during their entrance for the championship final's national anthems.
The jerseys bore the statement, "Pro Rel? Try Pro Standards First." This demonstration challenged the USL's ambitions to implement promotion and relegation systems, alongside establishing a top-tier division by 2028, while neglecting to establish professional standards for athletes. Multiple supporters also held up banners echoing this sentiment.
The USL and USLPA have engaged in prolonged discussions regarding the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Nevertheless, as of September, negotiations between both parties had reached an impasse.
Central Disputes in USL-USLPA CBA Discussions
The primary disputes that have persistently divided both parties involve securing healthcare for athletes, enhancing workplace conditions, and boosting overall pay. The existing CBA is scheduled to conclude at year's end, with no additional matches remaining after the Riverhounds secured the championship.
"The organization pursues Pro-Rel publicity. Athletes pursue basic living expenses. That concludes tonight," the USLPA stated on X before the championship match. "Pro-Rel holds no value without legitimate wages, security, healthcare and continuous support."
Players from FC Tulsa and Pittsburgh Riverhounds walk onto the field for the USL Championship final wearing shirts saying "USL HQ: Pro Rel? Try pro standards first."
USL HQ has announced a new first-division league including promotion & relegation in 2028. pic.twitter.com/0iLOXLUljS
The existing CBA between the organization and athletes establishes a baseline monthly payment of $2,600, which may include salary, incentives, health benefits and housing stipends, although franchises bear no responsibility for accommodation or medical coverage.
Broadcast didn't show it. The supporters did.@SteelArmy, @tulsa_83_united, @918brigade & 300+ fans held up signs calling out:
PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST.
Thank you to every supporter who stood with the players tonight.#StandUpForStandards @USLPlayers pic.twitter.com/2Pjda8PrLX
The USLPA advocates for full-year agreements, instead of monthly contracts covering only the 10 months athletes spend with their teams.
With USL Premier's launch in 2028, which the USL anticipates will achieve top-division recognition alongside MLS, athletes will probably demand increased compensation. Presently, MLS's minimum wage stands at $80,622, significantly exceeding the USL Championship baseline.
Prior to implementing the current CBA in 2021, USL franchises provided widely varying standards, with certain athletes receiving full-time deals while others worked part-time with host families. This situation has improved, yet athletes continue advocating for enhanced conditions.
"Given the current contract's approaching expiration, the absence of negotiation progress remains disappointing and exasperating," the USLPA declared in September.
"Athletes feel frustrated because professional soccer cannot thrive without professional benchmarks. Secure workplace environments, equitable compensation and employer-sponsored healthcare aren't optional; they're essential for athlete wellbeing, league legitimacy and enhanced supporter interest and participation."
NFL, MLS Player Organizations Show Support
BETO YDRACH MAKES NO MISTAKE FROM THE SPOT!
The 26-year wait is over as the @RiverhoundsSC take down Tulsa to win the 2025 @USLChampionship final! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wyZ9GY27Lx
While the USLPA struggles during negotiations, other prominent player unions throughout North American athletics have rallied to support their campaign for improved conditions. The player associations from MLS, NFL, MLB and Professional Hockey Players, representing the AHL and ECHL, expressed solidarity through social media platforms.
Without reaching a new agreement before the 2026 campaign, the USL might face a work interruption, which would severely damage their prospects of capitalizing on an anticipated soccer surge following the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.