Negotiations between MLS and the MLS Players Association over starting the 2020 season have had "a major breakthrough," according to ESPN's Taylor Twellman.
Twellman reported that nothing has been finalized but that it appears a lockout will be avoided.
Jeff Carlisle of ESPN provided more details:
"Multiple sources told ESPN that the breakthrough came as MLS backed down from having a force majeure clause tied to attendance and instead opted for an MLSPA proposal that used a more industry-standard approach patterned after the NBA.
"Given the way in which attendance numbers can be presented, with local restrictions potentially impacting the extent to which stadiums will be opened, this was a significant move by MLS.