Major League Soccer is facing a potential disruption to its upcoming season as referees have been locked out following the rejection of a tentative contract by their union. The Professional Soccer Referees Association announced that nearly 96% of its members voted against the proposed agreement with the Professional Referee Organization, which provides match officials for MLS, the NWSL, and other lower-tier leagues. As a result, PRO will implement a lockout starting at 12:01 a.m. EST on Sunday, indicating that the league will proceed with replacement officials.
The rejected contract, which marked the end of a previous five-year agreement set to expire on Jan. 15, failed to meet the expectations of the PSRA's approximately 260 members. The union highlighted concerns about the economic package and overall quality-of-life improvements, emphasizing the heightened demands placed on referees amid the league's substantial growth. Union president Peter Manikowski underscored the need for fair compensation and support for officials to maintain their performance levels at the sport's highest standards.
MLS asserted that PRO's proposed terms—which included wage increases ranging from 10% to over 100% for different officiating roles, enhanced benefits, and improved travel arrangements—represented a 25% improvement from the previous year. Notable features of the tentative agreement encompassed guaranteed pay raises for referees, assistant referees, and video match officials, along with augmented match fees and provisions for first-class or business-class air travel during postseason and key regular-season dates.
Referring to past instances of labor disputes within the league, MLS executive vice president Nelson Rodriguez indicated that the union's rejection of a no-strike, no-lockout agreement prompted the current situation. The league stated that PRO would deploy experienced professional referees backed by seasoned video assistant referees to oversee matches during the lockout period. Additionally, PRO disclosed a roster of 66 officials prepared to step in, with a notable subset boasting prior experience at high-profile soccer events and competitions.
As preparations continue for the upcoming season opener featuring Lionel Messi's Inter Miami against Real Salt Lake, the absence of regular referees leaves a crucial aspect of MLS competition in a state of uncertainty. While both sides have expressed their respective positions on the contract negotiations, the prospect of utilizing replacement officials introduces a unique dynamic as the league navigates the situation at hand.
