MLS, MLSPA avoid lockout, plan for Orlando tournament

Major League Soccer is about to be neighbors with Mickey Mouse.

On Wednesday, MLS and the MLS Players Association agreed to terms for an amended collective bargaining agreement that will likely include a July return to action.

Like leagues around the globe, MLS has been on hiatus since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league completed only two matchdays before the league suspended play.

Earlier this week, concerns grew after owners threatened a lockout as the two sides negotiated over revenue-sharing regarding a 2023 media rights deal, necessary salary reductions and a force majeure clause that was originally tied to attendance figures and, thus, was in favor of the owners.

However, such worries dissipated on Tuesday after the owners and union agreed to a clause similar to one found in the NBA CBA. As ESPN's Jeff Carlisle wrote, the new force majeure clause benefits both parties, as either can void it in the case of a generational event, such as a worldwide pandemic.

The owners also conceded 7.5 percent pay cuts after asking for that figure to be increased to 8.75 percent.

All 26 clubs could report to the Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World by June 24. It's believed the NBA will announce on Thursday it's staging the completion of its season at Walt Disney.

As Jonathan Tannenwald of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweeted, MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed the Orlando tournament will last no more than 35 days. Garber also said the league hasn't yet set specific dates for the competition.

One interesting note from Tannenwald is that Garber also announced players can opt-out of the Orlando tournament "without repercussion for any reason," meaning players who don't wish to perform during the uncontrolled virus outbreak can stay home for now.