USL and the United States Soccer League Players Association (USLPA) established a five year collective bargaining agreement for USL League One through the 2027 season. The CBA is the first in United States professional third-tier soccer, and modeled after the USL Championship CBA established in 2021.
The agreement will see minimum compensation standards of $2,000 per month for the 2023 season, increasing to $2,500 by 2027. It also includes standards for player per diem, non-match appearances, relocation reimbursement and an arbitration and grievance process, working conditions, benefits and health documentation standards.
The players were represented by Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu of Forward Madison, Kaelon Fox of FC Tucson and Vincenzo Candela of the Richmond Kickers. Said Wheeler-Omiunu in a statement released by the USLPA, “the willingness of the league and team owners to recognize and respect the equal partners that we are as players will ensure that the future of this league is an equitable and prosperous one for all parties involved.”
Statements from USL and USLPA:
“This is a momentous step forward for USL League One, the USLPA and our clubs – one that we’re delighted to celebrate ahead of this Sunday’s League One Final. USL League One is among the most exciting sports properties in North America. This agreement reaffirms the deep commitment of our Board of Governors to the player experience, and it exemplifies their strategic vision. Likewise, we commend the players for helping to set expectations that strengthen League One’s foundation today and for years to come. USL League One is among the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world.”
USL President Jake Edwards, USL League One news release
“We are beyond proud to have achieved another groundbreaking labor agreement in the history of American professional soccer. This agreement is significant progress in terms of defining what it means to be a professional soccer player in this country. The terms of this Agreement not only significantly advance Player protection, compensation, and working conditions for all League One players, but it creates a platform from which the league can grow.”
USLPA Acting Executive Director, Connor Tobin, USL League One news release
The USL League One 2022 season will conclude on Sunday with a Championship match between Tormenta FC and Red Wolves SC at the brand new club owned Tormenta Stadium in Stateboro, GA. 2023 will see the addition of expansion side Lexington Sporting Club and newly promoted One Knoxville. FC Tucson self-relegated to USL League Two.
In addition, Santa Barbara Sky and a yet to be named club in Spokane will join in 2024.
This story has been updated to include a statement from Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu.