The United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association officially ratified a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on Friday, establishing new labor terms that will remain in effect through 2030. This agreement marks a significant shift for the organization’s labor structure, as it covers both the existing USL Championship and the forthcoming USL Premier, a first-division league currently slated for a 2028 launch.

A central feature of the new agreement is the introduction of 12-month contracts for players. This change represents a notable shift for the USL, as it is the first time such year-round contract terms have been codified within the lower divisions of American professional soccer. In addition to the contract duration, the agreement includes provisions for salary increases, aiming to improve the financial stability of players across the league’s pyramid.

The ratification process concludes negotiations that align the league’s labor practices with the long-term growth strategy of the organization. By securing terms that extend until 2030, both the league and the players' union have established a framework intended to provide consistency as the USL prepares for the introduction of its new first-division league. While the agreement is described as a major milestone for player rights in the lower divisions, the specific details regarding the scale of salary increases have not been fully disclosed in the initial announcement.