MLS' current CBA expires this winter, and if "history is any guide, things won't go smoothly" in negotiating a new one, according to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. TIMES. The last two times the league and union "had to work out an agreement, talks continued until just days before the season opener with the players threatening a work stoppage both times." Some of the "major issues that slowed previous negotiations -- pay and free agency -- will be back" this time, while a "new issue, travel, could also prove contentious." The number of players making at least $1M has increased from 28 in '17 to 46 in '18, and the "guaranteed salary total for the league's 669 players topped" $249M for the first time. However, that "rising tide has not raised all boats," as the league's minimum salary is just $56,250. There also has been progress on free agency, but "not enough to please a union which wants its players to have the same ability to move between teams as athletes in other major U.S. sports." The talks are "likely to include charter flights, an issue that has risen in importance in recent weeks." MLS is the "only major U.S. or Canadian league that still requires its teams to use commercial flights" (LATIMES.com, 5/1).
ALL-STAR MATCHUP SET: MLS this morning confirmed that LaLiga club Atletico Madrid will take part in the league's All-Star Game on July 31 in Orlando, marking the 16th time an "international club will face the MLS all-stars and the second time the match will feature [a] team" from Spain's top division. Orlando City Majority Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva said that having the game played at Orlando City Stadium "marks the culmination of a five-year journey for the franchise" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 5/2).
