NEW YORK - Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Major League Soccer Players Union (MLSPU) today announced that the two sides have reached agreement on a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the first in League history, to run through the end of the 2009 season. The MLSPU's 20-player Bargaining Committee on Thursday recommended that the terms of the CBA be taken to its membership for ratification, a process expected to take several weeks.
"Today's announcement is the direct result of constructive talks between the League and our players during which both sides maintained the best interest of the sport at the forefront," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "We look forward to ratification of the CBA, which would mark a truly historic moment for the sport of soccer in America and the foundation for a successful and long-term partnership. Together with new investors, new teams and new stadiums, a collective bargaining agreement is critical in the development and growth of our League."
Major League Soccer's ninth season comes to a close on Sunday, November 14, 2004 when the Western Conference Champion Kansas City Wizards battle Eastern Conference Champions D.C. United in MLS Cup 2004 (televised live on ABC Sports at 3:30 p.m. ET). The Wizards will be making their second appearance in MLS Cup following their triumph in 2000, while three-time champion D.C. United will play for the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy for the first time since 1999.
