The lockout of MLS referees is finally over, as the Professional Referees Organization and the Professional Soccer Referees Association have reached a new collective bargaining agreement that will last until 2030. This means that the usual referees will return to officiate matches when the regular season resumes this weekend. The agreement is the longest in MLS history, and both sides are looking forward to the officials returning to the field.
The lockout occurred after the union’s members rejected a proposed new CBA, leading to the use of replacement officials since the start of the 2024 season. While most games proceeded normally, there were instances of major errors by the stand-in referees that affected match outcomes. Coaches like Laurent Courtois of CF Montreal and Dean Smith of Charlotte FC, as well as LA Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida, publicly criticized the officiating. However, with the new agreement in place, the regular officials will be back for the remainder of the season.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but MLS’s executive vice president, Nelson Rodríguez, stated that the pay and working conditions for the officials now rank among the highest in any global soccer league. The agreement is seen as a positive step toward building a strong, long-term partnership that will focus on developing and training referees to improve officiating standards overall. Both sides are pleased with the agreement and are looking forward to moving forward together.
Doug McIntyre, a soccer reporter for FOX Sports, covers the latest developments in MLS and the world of soccer. McIntyre previously worked as a staff writer for ESPN and Yahoo Sports before joining FOX Sports in 2021. With experience covering United States men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups across five continents, McIntyre brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his reporting. His insights and analysis provide fans with a deeper understanding of the game.
As MLS prepares to resume its regular season with the return of the usual officials, players, coaches, and fans are relieved that the lockout has come to an end. The use of replacement referees during the start of the season led to mixed reactions from teams and individuals, highlighting the importance of having experienced and trained officials on the field. With the new collective bargaining agreement in place, both the league and the officials are focused on ensuring a high standard of officiating for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The agreement between PRO and the Professional Soccer Referees Association sets a positive precedent for future negotiations and collaborations within MLS. The focus on developing and training referees to improve their skills and knowledge will benefit the league as a whole, ultimately leading to a better on-field product for players and fans. As MLS moves forward with the return of its regular officials, the focus remains on delivering high-quality matches and upholding the integrity of the game.
