USL and USLPA Announce Historic First Collective Bargaining Agreement for USL League One
November 3, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) and United Soccer League Players Association (USLPA) today announced they have achieved the historic first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for USL League One. The USL Players Association and the League One Board of Governors both ratified the five-year agreement this week; it is effective immediately and runs through December 2027.
The League One CBA is the first of its kind for a professional third-division men’s soccer league and defines the standards by which players are signed and employed. Similar to the USL Championship CBA which began in October 2021, the League One CBA establishes a minimum compensation structure and new standards for player contracts, per diem rates and appearances. The CBA also includes new requirements for working condition standards and grievance procedures.
“This is a momentous step forward for USL League One, the USLPA and our clubs – one that we’re delighted to celebrate ahead of this Sunday’s League One Final,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “USL League One is among the most exciting sports properties in North America. This agreement reaffirms the deep commitment of our Board of Governors to the player experience, and it exemplifies their strategic vision. Likewise, we commend the players for helping to set expectations that strengthen League One’s foundation today and for years to come. USL League One is among the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world.”
“We are beyond proud to have achieved another groundbreaking labor agreement in the history of American professional soccer,” said USLPA Acting Executive Director, Connor Tobin. “This agreement is significant progress in terms of defining what it means to be a professional soccer player in this country. The terms of this Agreement not only significantly advance Player protection, compensation, and working conditions for all League One players, but it creates a platform from which the league can grow.
“The USLPA would like to credit the USL and its League One Clubs for their collaborative approach to the bargaining process. We would also like to thank our dedicated legal team and CWA for their unwavering support throughout the process. Most of all, we are grateful for our committed player pool who are constantly striving to improve the sport. Special recognition needs to be given to our Team Representatives and to USLPA Negotiation Committee player members, Vincenzo Candela, Kaelon Fox and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, for their steadfast leadership.”
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