MLS planning to start 2021 season on time, play full schedule

NEW YORK — Major League Soccer (MLS) has full intention of starting their upcoming season in early March. However, league officials are remaining nimble because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. MLS officials are planning for its franchise teams to play a full 2021 regular season while working on an international calendar. That calendar was much busier in 2020 due to events facing delays due to the pandemic. On the basis of this crowded schedule in 2021, MLS President Mark Abbott states that they still intend to start their season in early March. “The restrictions on our ability to have fans in our stadiums this year contributed to very significant financial losses,” Abbott states. “Like all leagues, we are concerned about those restrictions continuing for a second year.” Abbott mentions that MLS continues to evaluate the management of the pandemic’s impact in the new year. Currently, it is not known whether fans will be able to attend games in the 2021 season.

MLS takes a financial hit due to COVID-19

MLS, much like other professional sports leagues, would take a significant financial hit as a result of the virus. An estimate of $1 billion was given in relation to financial losses this year, according to commissioner Don Garber. Prior to season play suspension on March 12, MLS teams had only played two games. Over the summer, the league would stage a tournament inside a bubble in Florida. However, due to positive COVID-19 tests, two teams were unable to participate. Those teams were FC Dallas and Nashville SC.

MLS, MLSPA agree to CBA extension in June to resume some form of league play

A June agreement with the league Players Association would make the tournament possible. It came as a result of tense talks leading some players to skip voluntary workouts. There also was the potential of a threatened lockout. A revision of the collective bargaining agreement, now good through 2025, would reflect some reforms. Players would ratify a deal that would include across-the-board pay cuts and a reduction in bonuses. MLS would revise a clause with ties to attendance, which is difficult when local, state, and Federal guidelines currently prohibit it. This same clause allows the league to alter contractual obligations due to extraordinary circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic would be one of those circumstances. An individual with knowledge of the situation would state the league is filing a notice with the Player’s Association preserving the right to invoke the clause. However, the league currently has no intention to do so at this time. The anonymous insider would state the move was not made public.

MLS expansion draft next month for Austin FC, three expansion franchises experience delays

MLS is holding their expansion draft on December 15 for Austin FC, which starts league matchplay next season. Charlotte’s expansion team was to debut in 2021, but the pandemic would delay things for another year to 2022. The same is also true for expansion teams in St. Louis and Chicago, which were to make debuts in 2022. They will debut instead in 2023.

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