The MLSPU in its CBA negotiations with the league "seems willing to die on the hill of free agency, fighting for the right to move around freely around the league (instead of via complicated draft procedures) and to negotiate deals," according to Charles Gooch of the K.C. STAR. MLS "really doesn’t want that as free agency could potentially lead to an increase in salaries across the board." The league has "set itself up for success for the near future with TV deals and new ownership groups," and the players "are looking for the same." Gooch wrote he does not think the two sides "can come together completely on this issue," as the players "have dug in and, seemingly, are unified." But the league is "similarly dug in and unified against the big thing the players want most." He wrote a work stoppage "is very much in play." But while a strike "would hurt all sides -- including fans -- in the short term, free agency is a right ... all athletes should have" (KANSASCITY.com, 2/10).
SWITCHING FIELD: Sounders GM & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey was a player in MLS when it debuted in '96, and he notes the league "is getting better" as the years go on. He said, "We haven’t spent markedly more on players, but I think we’re getting better at it. And I think more teams are getting better at it, so the level of the league is increasing." He added the "reputation of the league has grown" both domestically and globally. Lagerway: "The reputation of the league goes hand-in-hand with the national team. When the national team goes to the World Cup and has good performances ... people say that’s just a high-water mark, but it raises the awareness of the sport. And it makes people from soccer-playing countries around the world watch MLS.” He continued, "A lot of people still don’t respect MLS. Don’t get me wrong: We’re not the EPL. We still have a ways to go. ... I think the foot in both worlds will only end when MLS is respected abroad. Part of that is sending players abroad, who go over there and do well. Part of that is the national team continuing to succeed. ... The respect is coming. But I don’t think you can throw both feet in the global marketplace without the global marketplace wanting to invite you in, too" (
SEATTLE TIMES, 2/11).
