MLS gets closer to summer restart

Major League Soccer took a big step toward returning to play Sunday when its players association agreed to a series of economic concessions and modifications to its recently agreed-upon collective bargaining agreement with team owners, breaking an impasse that had threatened the rest of the suspended 2020 season.

The union formally submitted its package to the league for approval, and if the owners accept, all 26 MLS teams could begin gathering in Orlando, Fla., for a tournament in late June, making it the first major pro league in the U.S. or Canada to return from its COVID-19 suspension.

MLS paused its 34-game regular season March 12 after two matches.

Multiple media outlets reported that the players agreed to a 7.5% salary reduction as well as reductions to bonuses.

The players also agreed to extend the new five-year CBA, which was agreed to but never ratified by the owners, through the 2025 season.