MLS Referees Return After Ratifying New Labor Deal, Ending The Lockout

Major League Soccer (MLS), referees are set to return to work this weekend following the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement that brings an end to a month-long lockout that had seen replacement referees officiating matches. The seven-year agreement between the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) & the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) is accredited as the longest labor deal for match officials in MLS history, running through 2030.

Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President, expressed the league’s anticipation for the return of PRO match officials this weekend, acknowledging the professionalism of players, coaches, and clubs, as well as the unwavering support of fans during the challenging period of the lockout.

The lockout ensued after the PSRA rejected a proposed labor pact in mid-February, stating concerns over compensation, benefits, travel arrangements, scheduling, & other quality-of-life issues offered by PRO. This led to the deployment of replacement referees at the beginning of the 2024 MLS season, prompting dissatisfaction among managers & players regarding the quality of officiating.

Laurent Courtois, head coach of CF Montréal, voiced his frustration after a match against Chicago Fire, highlighting various officiating errors that impacted the outcome of the game. He said, “Given, their third goal came from a corner that shouldn’t have been, their first goal was offside. Something was taken away from my guys.”

Similarly, Sporting KC captain Johnny Russell expressed his disappointment over a crucial officiating mistake that influenced the result of a match. He stated, “It’s just so infuriating when you work so hard for the time you do, and then such a blatant mistake costs you. It’s difficult. It leaves sort of a sour taste in your mouth.”

Mark Geiger, PRO general manager acknowledged that the replacement referees used this season failed to meet the standard set by incorporated officials in 2023. However, with the new collective bargaining agreement in place, referees, assistant referees, & assistant video referees are set to receive substantial raises, marking a significant improvement in their compensation and benefits.

Under the new terms, officials with less than two years of experience will see their annual pay increase from $50,000 to $85,000, while more experienced officials will witness a jump from $108,000 to $142,000. By 2030, the salary for officials with under 200 games of experience will rise to $110,000, and those with 200 games or more will be paid $182,000 annually.