The month-long lockout of MLS referees has come to a close as the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) voted to ratify a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). The ratification was confirmed late on Monday night, with a high approval rate of 77.4% among the voters.
The new CBA, set to last seven years through the end of the 2030 season, was a significant point of negotiation. The deal includes retroactive pay for January and part of February but not for the lockout period. The agreement also brings several million dollars in wage increases for referees, assistant referees, VAR officials, and assistant VAR officials.
The lockout began on February 17 when PRO decided to use replacement referees after the PSRA rejected their offer. The use of replacement referees led to some controversies, including a higher rate of VAR interventions compared to the previous season and an incident where a referee had to be replaced due to wearing a team jersey.
Despite initial disagreements and a failed ratification vote, the two sides eventually reached a second Tentative Agreement last Friday. The new deal addresses concerns over pay increases and travel benefits, with probationary referees and assistants seeing significant pay raises.
Throughout the negotiations, tensions rose as both sides filed Unfair Labor Practices claims. However, with the ratification of the new CBA, MLS referees are expected to return to work this weekend, bringing an end to the lockout and ensuring the continuation of professional soccer matches with experienced officiating.
