Tentative agreement on new collective bargaining agreement reached

Philadelphia Union fans fearing the potential for a lockout impacting the 2021 MLS season can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

A tentative agreement between the MLS Players Association and the league on a new collective bargaining agreement was reached Friday night with a vote by the players and the league’s board of governors still to come.

The terms were ironed out Friday after the previous Thursday deadline was extended another 24 hours.

Once ratified, the agreement will be effective through the 2027 season.

Friday’s news follows a tenuous week with a potential lockout looming and an organized effort from the Sons of Ben and other supporters groups around the league calling for an end to the impasse. Players associations from the NBA, MLB and NFL also voiced their public support for the players.

Barring a major setback, this means the Philadelphia Union will be able to open training camp on February 22 and prepare for the start of the season Easter Weekend followed by their first Concacaf Champions League match a few days later.