Major League Soccer (MLS) has put forward a new proposal aimed at revising the bonus structure for players participating in the upcoming Club World Cup, as reported by informed sources. The MLS Players’ Association (MLSPA), which represents the league’s players, subsequently confirmed receipt of this proposal.
The league’s offer suggests that players would receive 20% of the performance-based prize money at different stages of the tournament, with no established ceiling on the total payout. For instance, if an MLS team draws in the group stage, the players would share $200,000 from a $1 million total prize pool. This amount increases to $400,000 for a victory in the group stage, and players would be in line for $1.5 million if they reach the Round of 16, where the prize pool is $7.5 million.
Currently, the players’ bonus framework is governed by their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with MLS, which allows for players to earn half of any prize or participation money awarded when competing in external tournaments, capped at $1 million. As the Club World Cup offers a $9.5 million participation prize, players would reach the cap without further benefits for tournament progression.
Under the new proposal, if an MLS team wins the Club World Cup, players would distribute a prize pool that could total up to $24.5 million. Conversely, should an MLS team not succeed in any matches during the tournament, they would still receive only the capped $1 million.
However, the MLSPA criticized the proposal, stating that the 20% payout falls short of international standards and suggesting that the league is attempting to pressure players into waiving certain CBA conditions related to the tournament. This discontent was visibly expressed by the Seattle Sounders, who recently protested by wearing T-shirts that read “Club World Cup Cash Grab” during warm-ups before a game.
Originally, MLS planned to present the 20% proposal earlier, but opted to delay its delivery until the end of the week.
The Club World Cup is set to commence on June 16, with matches held across various cities in the United States. The participating MLS teams in this tournament include the Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, and Los Angeles FC.
This situation highlights the ongoing negotiation dynamics between MLS and its players, as both sides seek an agreement that reflects the athletes’ contributions and the financial realities of international tournaments.