Labor War on the Pitch: How USL’s Attempts to Break Up the Players’Union Backfired

By Daniel Feuerstein | March 6, 2026 | Tampa, FL

The Lower Division League is trying to drive a wedge into the Players’ Union

As the Collective Bargaining Agreement expired on December 31st, 2025, for the players of the USL Championship League, both the Front Office of the United Soccer Leagues and the USL Players’ Association have been trying to hammer out a new CBA. While both sides are having their war of words, trying to earn support from the fans of their clubs, the main reason there hasn’t been any progress toward a resolution was when League President Paul McDonough announced Promotion and Relegation, and then looked to start a brand new First Division League, which was a bombshell that surprised the players and has been a major crux during negotiations.

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From Jeff Rueter of The Guardian: Union members received emails on Wednesday, March 4th, from USL Headquarters about leaving their union and resigning from their Union membership. The players have responded quickly, informed the public that they won’t do it, and this has strengthened them to stand their ground. In the final week of February, the players authorized a call to strike if there wasn’t a solution to a new CBA, as the season kicks off on Friday, March 6th, with Lexington SC hosting Louisville City at the Lexington SC Stadium.

For the USL to attempt to create labor peace with its players while simultaneously pursuing Pro/Rel and a new First Division League was a ludicrous idea. They should’ve used all their power to concentrate on the matter at hand. Getting this deal done, then have a conversation with the Players’ Union to discuss bringing a First Division League, and then adding Pro/Rel. But now, there is a big mess, and the current season is in jeopardy. Their real issues should be infrastructure and joining Major League Soccer in switching their competition calendar to the International Calendar. Now, there is a watch-and-wait to see if the players will actually strike, or hold off and play while they continue to negotiate with USL HQ. The soccer ball is now on the pitch for labor peace. Who will make the next play?

The 2026 USL Championship season began as the players representing Lexington SC & Louisville City stood still for the opening minute, waiting for the referee to blow his whistle to start play. They were expressing their displeasure with the current situation in the CBA negotiations.

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