Full Breakdown
USL Championship Players Demand Professional Standards Amid CBA Negotiations
12/31/2025, 8:03:22 PM
Players Protest for Better Conditions
In late November 2025, 22 professional soccer players from the USL Championship teams FC Tulsa and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC staged a protest at Oneok Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wearing matching black shirts emblazoned with the message “Pro Rel? Try Pro Standards First,” the players aimed to highlight their grievances regarding ongoing negotiations with the United Soccer League (USL) over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Duke Lacroix, president of the USL Players Association and an 11-year veteran, emphasized the disconnect between the league's public aspirations for promotion and relegation and the inadequate treatment of players. As the current CBA is set to expire on December 31, 2025, the potential for a work stoppage looms.
Stalled Negotiations and Player Concerns
The players expressed frustration in an open letter to supporters, stating that negotiations with USL Headquarters have reached a standstill. They noted that while the league has expanded rapidly, including plans for a new Division 1 league and a women’s Super League, player conditions have not improved. Key statistics from 2025 revealed that approximately 85% of players lacked 12-month contracts, over 25% were not offered health insurance, and about 25% earned less than $35,000 annually. The players called for improvements in professional standards and livable wages that reflect the league's growth.
The Push for Professional Standards
The USL Championship, currently the second tier of men's professional soccer in the U.S., is preparing to launch a new Division 1 league by 2028, which would introduce a promotion-relegation system. Lacroix highlighted the need for better workplace conditions, including healthcare, adequate housing, and increased base compensation, which currently stands at a minimum of $2,600 per month over a 10-month contract. Joe Farrell, a retired player and board member of the USL Players Association, shared his experiences of financial instability and the lack of health coverage, stressing the need for competitive salaries and professional treatment.
Solidarity Across Leagues
While the USL Championship and the newly formed women’s Super League negotiate separately, there is a sense of solidarity between the two. Players from both leagues have supported each other in their respective bargaining processes. Meaghan Nally, a player in the Super League, noted that the struggles for professional standards resonate across both leagues, as they share similar challenges in their careers.
Future Implications and Community Support
As the expiration of the current CBA approaches, the potential for a work stoppage remains a concern. Lacroix expressed a desire to avoid such a scenario, especially with the 2026 season set to begin in March. The unity among players and community support has been evident, with fans displaying solidarity during championship matches. Farrell emphasized that the outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the future of soccer in the U.S., stating, “What we are able to achieve in the coming months... will help push U.S. soccer forward.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s this disconnect between what is being put out publicly, and how players are being treated internally,” — Duke Lacroix, President of the USL Players Association
- “We want to be treated as professionals, and that comes along with health care, that comes along with (competitive) salaries,” — Joe Farrell, Retired USL Player
- “It’s about how can I help the boys and girls who want to be professional soccer players in America in 10, 20 years from now.” — Joe Farrell, Retired USL Player
- “Our goal is to try to avoid that as much as possible,” — Duke Lacroix, President of the USL Players Association
The ongoing negotiations and the players' demands for improved conditions reflect a critical moment in the evolution of professional soccer in the United States.
