• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

The MLS Replacement Ref Nightmare Is Over

  • Referees reportedly voted to ratify a new CBA, ending a monthlong lockout.
  • The league has been using replacement officials that coaches and players dislike.
Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports

MLS is getting its referees back.

The league has used replacements for the first month of its season, but MLS game officials could be back as soon as this weekend after the union representing the referees voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, per reporting by The Athletic and ESPN.

Last month, the union for MLS, NWSL, and USL refs, the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), rejected a potential CBA with the group that oversees officiating for U.S. and Canadian leagues, the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). PSRA leadership said it likely failed because refs weren’t happy with the PRO’s “economic package” and lackluster “quality of life improvements,” including traveling and scheduling.

The new CBA reportedly lasts seven seasons and includes significant pay raises. The least experienced MLS refs, who were earning about $50,000 per year before the labor deal, would see a 68% pay bump this year, and even more by the end of the agreement. (MLS refs are paid on a sliding scale based on how many games they’ve worked in their career.)

The refs have been locked out for the entire MLS season, which started Feb. 21. The quality of officiating has dropped, coaches and players have said, and the league had an embarrassing incident where it needed to replace a replacement ref for an upcoming Inter Miami match after images surfaced of the official in the team’s jersey.

“Players are very clear that the replacements are under-trained, lack experience and are not nearly at the level that a league of MLS’s stature deserves,” the MLS Players Association posted March 14 on X, formerly known as Twitter.

MLS refs were also locked out during labor negotiations in 2014, missing the first two weeks of the season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lionel Messi

Messi Near New Deal to Stay in MLS, Miami

His contract with Inter Miami was set to expire in December.
Eric Shanks

World Cup Will Be Fox’s ‘Biggest Undertaking’ Ever

The tournament is expanding from 32 to 48 teams.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Michelle Wu

Josh Kraft, Son of Patriots Owner, Leaves Boston Mayor Race After First-Round..

He challenged Mayor Wu over her support for White Stadium’s costly renovations.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Marina Mabrey
September 17, 2025

Adam Silver Defends WNBA Involvement in Sun Sale

Silver discussed the deal at Tuned In.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.