WASHINGTON — Major League Soccer careened toward the first work stoppage in its 20-season history Tuesday as the sides in labor negotiations appeared to make little progress toward brokering a new collective bargaining agreement.
Three days before the season is scheduled to begin, the league and players’ union remained locked in discussions with federal mediators in Washington. Tuesday marked the final day of a three-day session, although talks could continue into Wednesday.
As of Tuesday, neither side had issued any public statements. However, sources familiar with the talks said significant obstacles stand in the way of a deal.
“It seems like (the owners) are giving up nothing of substance,” said one source, who requested anonymity because he is not permitted to speak on the matter. “They have shot down all of the players’ proposals (on free agency). It’s shocking. The owners are almost wanting a work stoppage.”
The previous CBA expired Jan. 31. No deadline is in place to reach a pact, and without a pathway to a deal, the players seem inclined to strike.
Numerous players from around the league have attended this week’s talks.
The regular season opener is Friday in Carson, Calif., with the reigning champion Los Angeles Galaxy facing the Chicago Fire. Chicago players are scheduled to fly to Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon, but those plans might be canceled if negotiations remain unsettled. The Rapids are scheduled to open Saturday at the Philadelphia Union.
The threat of a work stoppage comes at a time of otherwise growing momentum for MLS and American soccer in general.
Attendance has grown and the league added expansion teams in Orlando and New York, raising the total to 20. Atlanta and a second L.A. team will start in 2017 and other markets are vying for expansion slots.
