How MLS could cut players' salaries during coronavirus crisis

Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Friday that the 2020 campaign would not start until at least June 8 and that the MLS Cup final will be pushed back until late December. With that announcement the next step is to figure out the current payroll of the players that is estimated to be upwards of $310 million. The cutbacks would likely cause that number to drop to about half of that.

MLS commissioner Don Garber and the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) executive board held a conference call on Thursday to discuss the major wage cuts due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"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, an 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,” announced the league of Friday.

The MLS was postponed on March 12 and all the teams for the 2020 season only played two games. According to ESPN the MLS is seeking a 50% pay cut and that reduction would take place only if games are canceled. Even if no games are played this year the players would still earn at least 50% of their salaries. That number will go up based on how much of the regular season is played. Having games played with no fans, as suggested by the league on Friday, will also impact the extent of cuts.

Players making less than $100,000 would not be affected, and players making above $100,000 wouldn't have their salaries fall below that threshold. If the plan is implemented, the league would reduce its total player payroll by $150 million.