An Open Letter from USL Championship Players to USL Fans

December 30, 2025

To Our Supporters,

At this important moment, we want to speak directly to you about where things stand in negotiations between the USL Championship players and the USL Headquarters.

We have been bargaining since August of 2024, and today marked our 38th bargaining session. The current agreement expires tomorrow, but we have been unable to secure a new collective bargaining agreement.The first-ever CBA in this league was signed at the end of 2021. At the time, that first CBA was about establishing the most basic of standards in a league where, prior to unionization, there were virtually no standards at all — not in pay, not in medical coverage, and not in fundamental working conditions. Both the Players and the USL took pride in that accomplishment.

To make the first CBA possible, players agreed to an extremely limited starting point so that the league could survive and grow. This ensured both a pace of change that was sustainable, and the continued growth of the league and the sport of soccer in this country. In practice, this meant we accepted wages and working conditions that fell short of professional standards.. We made that sacrifice because we believed in the future of the league, and because we trusted that progress would continue over time.

This round of bargaining has been about continuing that progression toward professional standards.

Over the past four-plus years, we have watched the USL expand rapidly. We have witnessed the launch of new leagues, including the women’s Super League and the announced launch of a Division 1 league. We have seen announcements of new stadiums and ambitious growth plans. We have heard public discussions about promotion and relegation.

Now it is time to take care of the players who make this league possible.

In 2025:

  • Approximately 85% of players did not have 12-month contracts and are treated as seasonal employees
  • Over 25% of players were not even offered ANY health insurance option by their clubs
  • Roughly 25% of players made less than $35,000 gross salary

For this league to truly grow, the USL Headquarters (which is separate from the clubs themselves), must take an active role in investing in and strengthening the USL Championship. It’s not fair to promote a bold vision for the future of American soccer while, behind the scenes, denying players basic professional standards. What is said publicly should match what players experience in negotiations.

We are not asking for anything radical. We are asking for continued progress towards professional standards and livable wages that reflect the growth of the league we compete in every week. As our CBA expiration date passes tomorrow, we remain resolute in this pursuit and committed to bargaining in good faith. We are simply asking for the USL to align its actions with its ambitions.

We are proud to play in this league. We are proud of the communities we represent and the fans who support us week in and week out. We want a future for the USL Championship that matches its ambition-- one built on investment, transparency, and respect for the players who help drive its growth.

With appreciation for your continued support,

USL Championship Players