'There’s No Incentive': Sounders Protest MLS’s $1M Club World Cup Cap

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 12:12 PM ET

Seattle Sounders players have unleashed chaos, by sporting "Club World Cash Grab" T-shirts before their clash with Minnesota United yesterday. They're demanding a fair cut of the $9.55 million in Club World Cup prize money (FIFA.com). MLS’s particularly stingy payout rules have ignited this fiery revolt.

The Sounders, Inter Miami, and LAFC will battle in the 32-team Club World Cup, hosted across the U.S. from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Each club secures $9.55 million, though MLS caps player payouts at $1 million per team (MLSSoccer.com). This clashes with global norms.

The MLS collective bargaining agreement, locked in 2021, predates the tournament’s expansion. The MLSPA says players pushed for equitable talks, but MLS clings to the outdated deal (Reuters.com). Sounders’ Stefan Frei told The Seattle Times, “There’s no incentive” with a 90-10 split.

Globally, players often pocket 50-70% of FIFA prize money. European clubs like PSG and Atlético Madrid, in Seattle’s Group B, follow fairer models (TheGuardian.com). The Sounders’ protest targets MLS’s refusal to align with global norms, leaving players feeling cheated.

The MLSPA declared: “Players elevate MLS globally” (MLSPA). FIFA’s $1 billion prize pool, with $475 million performance-based, demands better splits. MLS’s silence, citing ongoing negotiations, only stokes player fury.

Seattle’s 'Fair Share Now' T-shirts weren’t just for show. Fans, including Emerald City Supporters, roared in support. MLS valuations soar—LAFC at $1.25 billion, Inter Miami at $1.2 billion (Forbes.com), yet player payouts stay miserly. This gap fuels the unrest.

The Club World Cup, spanning seven MLS stadiums, is a global spotlight. Seattle faces Botafogo, Atlético Madrid, and PSG at Lumen Field, starting June 15 (FIFA.com). Unfair pay could sour this showcase.

This clash could reshape MLS’s future. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming, addressing player demands is critical. Will MLS evolve, or will the rebellion grow?

Next: Is FIFA’s Club World Cup the Biggest Flop in Soccer History?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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