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Jeff Carlisle
In ongoing discussions regarding a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the USL Players Association, sources have informed ESPN that the USL has put forth a proposal aimed at establishing minimum salaries for its upcoming Division I league, projected to launch in 2028.
Earlier this year, the USL announced plans to implement a promotion/relegation system and introduce a new Division I league that will operate above the current structure, which includes the USL Championship, USL League One, and USL League Two.
The USL and the USL Players Association are currently engaged in negotiations regarding a new CBA for athletes in the USL Championship, the league’s highest tier. As part of these discussions, the USL has proposed a framework for the minimum salaries in the anticipated Division I league, which serves to provide context for the minimum salary discussions within the USL Championship.
According to sources familiar with the negotiation process, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the discussions, the USL aims to set minimum annual salaries at the Division I level starting at $55,000 in 2028, progressing to $60,000 in 2029, $65,000 in 2030, and reaching $70,000 in 2031. These figures pertain solely to salary, with other benefits such as health insurance, housing stipends, and off-season pay still to be negotiated, sources noted.
Neither the USL nor the USL Players Association has provided comments on the matter.
Since August 1, 2024, the USLPA and USL have participated in over two dozen negotiation sessions aimed at addressing critical issues, including requirements for healthcare provision to players, enhancements in working conditions, and overall compensation improvements.
In recent months, players have stepped up their advocacy efforts. For example, the players of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and FC Tulsa displayed unity by wearing t-shirts with the slogan, “Pro Rel? Try Pro Standards First,” as they entered the field for the USL-Championship title game on November 22.
Regarding minimum compensation within the USL Championship, a knowledgeable source indicated that the league is currently proposing minimum salaries “under $40,000” annually, with some exemptions potentially allowing salaries to fall below $30,000.
According to the current CBA, the minimum salary for 2025 in the USL Championship is set at $2,600 per month. However, these contracts are limited to 10 months and encompass salary, bonuses, any housing allowance, and health insurance contributions (if offered by the club). The maximum aggregate from these categories for players earning the league minimum cannot exceed $2,600 monthly.
For comparison, the minimum compensation in MLS for 2027—under the terms of the existing CBA—is set at $97,970 for reserve players and $125,875 for senior players, with contracts lasting the entire year and additional benefits such as health insurance provided.
Meanwhile, the current NWSL CBA notes that the minimum annual salary for 2028 will be $67,000, excluding a Cost of Living Allowance that varies by location. Players are also entitled to additional benefits, including health and life insurance.