Major League Soccer has invoked the force majeure clause in its Collective Bargaining Agreement, informing players they need to negotiate a new contract due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions expected to extend into 2021.
If the league can’t agree to terms with the MLS Players Association, the owners will essentially lock out the players and the 2021 season won’t start as scheduled in March.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Dec. 8 the league lost $1 billion in revenue in 2020. MLS’ television contracts are valued at just $90 million a season and teams lost their primary source of revenue during the pandemic, fans paying to attend matches.