MLS’ referee lockout FINALLY ends as they agree to a new CBA with officials expected to return to league action this weekend
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Major League Soccer and its referees have announced a seven-year employment contract, ending a 37-day lockout that led to the use of replacement officials, as they are now expected to return to competition this weekend.
The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) said on Monday they had ratified an agreement reached last week that runs until January 31, 2031.
The PSRA has approximately 260 members.
Replacement officials were deployed in the first five weeks of the season, which attracted some criticism.
As part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that technically runs through the 2030 MLS season, referees will receive significant pay increases, as will video assistants and assistant referees.
Referee Scott Bowman picks up a yellow card during Toronto’s game against Atlanta in March
In the past, referees with less than two years of league experience earned $50,000 in base salary. Starting this year, that salary will increase by $35,000 to a base salary of $85,000.
By 2030, referees are expected to earn $110,000.
MLS matchday officials with more experience, meaning those who have called 200 games or more, will see their wages increase from $108,000 to $142,000 under the new agreement.
More to follow…