USL Players Association and USL reach tentative agreement on key terms for new collective bargaining agreement

After many months of negotiations, it appears that the United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association (USLPA) reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) overnight.

The deal, which follows 21 months of negotiations, covers both the USL Championship and the upcoming USL Premier first division, which is scheduled to launch in 2028.

The agreement comes after a tense start to the 2026 season. In late February, players overwhelmingly authorized a strike but chose to play under the dynamic status quo of the previous 2021 agreement while negotiations continued.

During the opening weekend, players across the league participated in a minute of stillness at kickoff to protest the slow pace of talks.

The negotiations were characterized by a significant push for professional standards. Throughout the process, key figures emphasized that the league’s growth had outpaced its labor protections:

In recent discussions and comments with media, Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ Robbie Mertz has been a constant vocal advocate for the deal, noting its importance not just for current players, but for the overall progress of the USL.

He previously described his career as both grueling and rewarding while leading the push for better standards.

In an exclusive interview with Pittsburgh Soccer Now, USLPA Executive Director Connor Tobin frequently highlighted the day-to-day reality” of many players, pointing out that in 2025, some still qualified for food stamps and roughly 25% were not offered health insurance by their clubs. Tobin argued that the 2021 CBA was a minimum level set during the pandemic and that it was time for the pendulum to swing back toward professionalization.

While the full details of the agreement are pending final ratification, the league’s most recent public offers included several of the items players had been battling for:

• Full-Year Contracts: Mandating 12-month agreements to eliminate the unpaid two-month offseason.

• Increased Compensation: A proposed minimum compensation increase of over 20% from the previous CBA.

• Health and Housing: Universal access to health insurance for all players and improved minimum standards for club housing, training facilities, and team meals.

What’s next? 

Most likely the next step is that USLPA will now work with its members through the ratification process to finalize the deal.

Stay tuned to Pittsburgh Soccer Now for further updates as more details emerge regarding the finalized terms.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).