Tension Between MLS and Players Over Club World Cup Funds

A growing dispute between Major League Soccer (MLS) and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) over the distribution of Club World Cup prize money remains unresolved, raising tensions ahead of the tournament.

Seattle Sounders players protest at home match

During a recent match at Lumen Field, players from Seattle Sounders FC staged a visible protest, wearing warm-up shirts that read “Club World Cash Grab” and “Fair Share Now” — demanding a more equitable share of the revenue generated from the international competition.

Breakdown of MLS and player compensation proposals

Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players are entitled to 50% of external tournament revenues, but with a $1 million cap.

MLS recently submitted a new proposal:

• 20% of performance-based payments

• $1 million participation bonus to be shared by the three participating teams

MLSPA issues strong criticism

In an official statement, MLSPA expressed disappointment with MLS’s stance:

“MLS does not respect or value players’ efforts regarding this tournament. The players and MLSPA are deeply disappointed by this message.”

The union also criticized the league for offering no new money from the $28.65 million MLS is expected to receive from FIFA, which means players would receive only about 10% of the total earnings.

Club World Cup kicks off mid-June

LAFC, Inter Miami CF, and Seattle Sounders will represent MLS in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June. The standoff over revenue sharing casts a shadow over the league’s participation, with no resolution yet in sight.