The MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the foundational labor contract between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA). The CBA covers all major employment terms including salary cap levels, minimum salaries, free agency eligibility, benefits, travel standards, and player rights.
CBA negotiations have been pivotal moments in MLS history. The 2015 CBA introduced TAM and expanded free agency. The 2020 CBA, negotiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, included salary concessions but also media revenue sharing provisions. Each new CBA tends to expand player rights and increase compensation, reflecting the league's growth. The current CBA runs through 2027, providing stability for both players and the league during a period of significant growth in media revenue and franchise values.