With the 2026 USL season starting Saturday, players may strike if no new CBA is reached, though the USLPA has not officially called a strike.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With the 2026 USL Championship season set to begin this weekend, players have authorized their union to call a strike if a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league is not reached.
However, the USL Players Association (USLPA) clarified that no strike has been officially authorized at this time.
ABC10 has reached out to Sacramento Republic FC and has not received a response; however, opening night remains on schedule as both sides continue to negotiate.
“Players did last week authorize the bargaining committee to call a strike if they deem it appropriate,” the USLPA told ABC10. “As it stands right now, the USLPA has NOT authorized a strike.”
The union vote followed ongoing negotiations with the league that began in August 2024; the previous CBA expired on December 31, 2025. The most recent bargaining session included a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Key Issues in Negotiations
Several major issues remain under discussion:
Contract Length: Players and the league have tentatively agreed to 12-month contracts, up from 10 months in the previous CBA.
Compensation: Low-tier players previously earned $26,000 to $31,000 per season. The league has proposed an increase to about $38,000, while the union is seeking roughly $43,400. These figures do not include bonuses or health insurance.
Health Insurance: The union wants a standardized health insurance plan across all teams, while the league prefers individual club discretion.
Buyouts: The league has proposed allowing teams up to three unilateral contract buyouts over two years, paying a portion of a player’s salary. The union opposes this approach.
Player Licensing: The union is seeking higher payments for player image and likeness rights, requesting approximately $600,000, compared with the league’s offer of $125,000.
Other areas of negotiation include expanded professional standards covering housing, travel, team meals, medical staffing, and training facilities.
The USL emphasized that it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement. “We have been negotiating in good faith with the USLPA for more than a year and remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable collective bargaining agreement,” the league told ESPN.
For Sacramento Republic FC fans, the negotiations are particularly relevant. The team opens its 2026 season this Saturday, and any work stoppage could directly affect games, player participation, and the fan experience.
In a December 2025 open letter, USL Championship players highlighted that many league players lacked year-round contracts, adequate health coverage, and livable wages despite the league’s rapid expansion.
“Players are simply asking for continued progress toward professional standards and livable wages that reflect the growth of the league we compete in every week,” the letter read.
As March 7 approaches, fans in Sacramento will be watching closely to see whether a resolution can be reached in time for the Republic’s first match of the year.
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