MLS Players Secure Pay Boost from Club World Cup Prize Money

Major League Soccer players have secured a significant payout increase tied to their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, following a tense negotiation with MLS and the players’ union.

What Changed

• Under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players would receive up to 50% of external tournament revenue, but with a hard cap of $1 million per team.
• With FIFA’s expanded tournament offering a $1 billion prize pool, including $9.55 million guaranteed to each CONCACAF team (Seattle Sounders, LAFC, Inter Miami), that cap became grossly out of step.
• The revised deal removes the $1 million cap, granting teams a 40% increase above the prior cap, plus 30% uncapped performance-based payouts—worth $2 million per win and $1 million per draw—earning MLS players more for advancing in the tournament.

Players’ Reaction

• Despite the breakthrough, the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) voiced disappointment in MLS’s approach, alleging “stonewalling, threats and retaliation” during negotiations.
• Conflict brewed early: Seattle Sounders wore “Club World Cash Grab” shirts during warm-ups to protest the unfair distribution.
• Negotiations were heated and dragged into the tournament period, reflecting growing tensions as players pressed for a fair share.

Why It Matters

With the new agreement:

• Players previously capped at $1 million now stand to earn a meaningful share of performance bonuses, aligning more with international standards.
• Even if an MLS team wins the competition, players can collectively receive well over $24 million in bonuses
• This victory sets a precedent for future negotiations, especially regarding the expanding Club World Cup and similar tournaments.

Broader Context

• The dispute highlighted the CBA’s limitations and MLS’s historically conservative pay structure.
• Players felt marginalized, noting that MLS’s proposal included unrelentingly tough negotiation tactics and unrelated CBA demands .
• Removal of the cap underscores the players’ growing influence and ability to reshape financial structures as MLS gains global traction .

In Summary

This resolution represents a pivotal moment for MLS’s evolving role in global soccer and emphasizes the league’s need to balance commercial gains with equitable compensation structures. While not a flawless outcome, players have taken a strong stand—and won.

Major League Soccer players will receive a significantly enhanced payout from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup prize money after a hard-fought renegotiation with the league and the players’ union.

Pay Boost Won Despite Disappointing Negotiations

• Under the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), MLS players were entitled to 50% of external tournament revenue, but with a strict cap of $1 million per team.
• With FIFA’s Club World Cup distributing a $1 billion total prize pool and $9.55 million per CONCACAF team (Seattle Sounders, LAFC, Inter Miami) just for participating, the original cap became grossly inadequate.
• The updated agreement removes the $1 million cap. Instead, teams now receive a 40% increase over the old cap, plus 30% uncapped performance-based payouts — awarding $2 million for each win and $1 million for each draw.
• LAFC also earned an extra $250,000 for winning a play-in match

Player Discontent Remains High

• The MLS Players Association (MLSPA) publicly denounced the league’s approach, accusing it of “stonewalling, threats and retaliation”.
• Leading up to the tournament, Seattle Sounders players wore “Club World Ca$h Grab” warm-up shirts as a protest at the disparity.

Why This Matters

• Players who once faced a modest payout are now in line for significant performance-based bonuses, better aligning with global football standards.
• A winning MLS club could see players take home well over $24 million collectively.
• The deal sets a precedent for how future prize money — especially from expanded global competitions — could be shared.

Broader Implications

• The dispute highlighted a deep rift between players and league management over revenue distribution .
• The MLSPA emphasized the importance of earning a fair share given the demanding schedule and escalating commercial stakes of MLS .
• While negotiations may have concluded this round, tensions over fair pay remain as MLS evolves and players assert greater influence .

Summary Snapshot

Ultimately, while the pay structure still isn’t perfect in the players’ eyes, this settlement marks a crucial step toward more equitable compensation. It also underscores shifting power dynamics in MLS as the league and its talent adapt to the rising demands — and revenues — of global competition.