MLS discussing major wage cuts with players' union

Major League Soccer has begun discussions with the players' union about making some significant wage cuts, according to Jeff Carlisle and Noah Davis of ESPN.

A conference call took place Thursday between MLS commissioner Don Garber, deput commissioner Mark Abbott and the MLSPA executive board.

The league has been shut down since March 12 and MLS as a whole doesn't make a whole lot of money as it is. Abbott confirmed the news with a statement made to ESPN.

"MLS remains focused on exploring a wide variety of formats for playing the entire 2020 season, including pushing back MLS Cup into December or later. Based on the most recent government guidance, we have extended the moratorium on matches until at least June 8.

"Like all leagues, we are in discussion with our players about changes to player compensation due to the financial impact on the league and our clubs from the COVID-19 crisis. We are seeking to work collaboratively with the MLSPA to find a solution that provides a safety net for all players, opportunity to earn full salary in the scenario where all matches are played with fans, and in particular provides protection for the players at the lower end of the salary scale."

The current league payroll is estimated to be upwards of $3.1 million, according to ESPN, and the cutbacks would likely cause that number to drop to about half of that.

Obviously the league is discussing many options on how to resume the season, and it seems more and more likely that we'll see games played in empty stadiums or a neutral site.

MLS' highest-paid players, including Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo, would probably see the biggest pay cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic.