MLS Players to Receive Boost from Club World Cup Prize Money

Major League Soccer players will receive a pay boost from the FIFA Club World Cup prize money. The league and the MLS Players Association agreed to a restructured format, with teams receiving a 40% increase over the previous $1 million cap and 30% of performance prize money uncapped. The players were initially "deeply disappointed" with the negotiations, which stretched past the start of the tournament.

Major League Soccer (MLS) players have secured a significant pay boost from the FIFA Club World Cup prize money, following an agreement between the league and the MLS Players Association. The new compensation structure includes a 40% increase over the previous $1 million cap and an uncapped 30% share of performance prize money [1].

The agreement, reached after extensive negotiations, was announced on June 27, two days before Inter Miami played PSG in the knockout phase of the tournament. MLS chief communications officer Dan Courtemanche hailed the deal as providing "meaningful enhancements" that deliver "substantial value to the players" [1]. However, the players expressed deep disappointment with the league's approach to the negotiations, which stretched beyond the tournament's start [1].

The new bonus structure was necessary due to the unprecedented prize pool and expanded format of the tournament, which did not exist when the previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was agreed upon. Concacaf teams each received $9.55 million for participation, with additional bonuses for wins and draws [1]. This new arrangement allows MLS teams to share in a larger portion of the prize money, reflecting the increased competition and stakes of the event.

LAFC, which qualified for the tournament through a play-in victory over Club América, received an additional $250,000 for its play-in win [1]. This compensation, along with the other bonuses, reflects the league's commitment to fairly distributing the tournament's prize money among its participants.

The new agreement has significant implications for the financial health of MLS teams and players. By sharing in a larger portion of the prize money, teams can potentially invest more in their rosters and facilities, while players benefit from a more substantial financial reward for their participation. However, the players' disappointment with the negotiation process highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the league and the players' association.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, MLS and the MLSPA will likely engage in further negotiations regarding the league's structure and growth trajectory. The expiration of the current CBA on January 31, 2028, and the potential for major changes, such as a fall-spring calendar and roster rule changes, will require the approval of the MLSPA [1].

References:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6493304/2025/07/15/mls-players-club-world-cup-bonus-deal/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/1m0maho/sources_mls_players_reached_new_club_world_cup/
[3] https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/reports-mls-players-get-pay-boost-cwc-prize-money-2025-07-16/
[4] https://fieldlevelmedia.com/mls/reports-mls-players-get-pay-boost-from-cwc-prize-money/
[5] https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/donald-trumps-trophy-moment-steals-spotlight-as-us-president-presents-chelsea-with-club-world-cup-amid-boos-article-152275260