Latest news with #playersassociation
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Sources: Despite new offer, MLS, players not close on Club World Cup bonus deal
Major League Soccer made a proposal to the MLS Players Association that would increase performance-based bonuses in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, but the two sides don't appear close to an agreement. The league sent the proposal to the league on Friday, according to a source briefed on the discussions between the league and the union. The union responded forcefully to that offer in a statement on Sunday afternoon, calling the league's proposal 'retaliatory' and saying the league had 'ignored months of attempts by players to engage' until making its offer on Friday. Advertisement According to the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified in February 2021, MLS players would be paid a maximum of $1 million in prize money from the highly lucrative tournament. MLS teams will be paid a minimum of $9.55 million for their participation in the Club World Cup. The $1 million cap comes from section 10.8 of the CBA, which defines tournament bonus pools. That section lays out payouts for known tournaments, like the U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup. What it didn't account for at the time was a new FIFA-run tournament with unprecedented prize money. The new MLS proposal would give players the $1 million from the $9.55 million participation fee, as agreed in the CBA, but would add another 20 percent to any money earned beyond that — including for wins, draws and advancement to further rounds. In addition, MLS previously decided to pay LAFC players an additional $250,000 in bonuses for its win over Club America in the play-in game to the Club World Cup, which followed Club León's expulsion from the competition. The league also gave an option for owners to convert up to $750,000 of the $9.55 million participation fee into general allocation money, which effectively serves as cap space. All three teams opted to max out that $750,000, according to multiple sources. The Seattle Sounders staged a protest ahead of their game against Minnesota United on June 1 regarding the $1 million cap on the bonuses. According to multiple reports, Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer angrily confronted the team after the game for the protest. The source said the league had been in weeks of discussions with the MLSPA about the bonuses and that MLS communicated to the union on May 31 that it was willing to alter the CBA and expected to send a formal proposal on June 2 regarding the bonus structure. Advertisement The union's statement pushed back heavily both on MLS's offer and on its willingness to engage on the issue in the weeks leading up to the protest. 'MLS spent most of last week making threats and promising retaliation against the MLSPA and players because Seattle players wore T-shirts that expressed frustration over the league's refusal to engage about Club World Cup compensation,' the statement read. 'After ignoring months of attempts by players to engage, late Friday afternoon, less than 48 hours before LAFC and Seattle players were to take the field once again, the league finally provided the PA with their first proposal on this issue. As promised, this proposal was retaliatory in nature.' The union statement outlines the MLS offer as not adding any bonuses to the participation fees paid out by FIFA beyond the $1 million outlined in the CBA. The union statement then classified the 'back-end compensation' of 20% as being 'below the international standard.' An update on Club World Cup Bonuses. MLS spent most of last week making threats and promising retaliation against the MLSPA and players because Seattle players wore t-shirts that expressed frustration over the league's refusal to engage about Club World Cup compensation. More… — MLSPA (@MLSPA) June 8, 2025 In addition, the union said the league is attempting to strong-arm the MLSPA into making concessions around the CBA waivers that have been issued the past several seasons regarding offseason timing for teams participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup. 'The timing, substance, and retaliatory nature of the proposal sends a clear message: MLS does not respect or value players' efforts with regard to this tournament,' the MLSPA statement reads. 'Although not surprised, the players and the MLSPA are deeply disappointed by this message. Advertisement 'MLS's refusal to negotiate in good faith has created a major distraction for the players who should be focusing on preparing for a major international competition. However, players will not be silenced by threats from MLS. The players remain united in using their collective voice and demanding a fair share of the rewards earned from their hard work.' It is not clear what 'international standard' the MLSPA is using in its appraisal of MLS's offer. There have been few public details about what other teams are paying players for their participation in the tournament. The source said the MLSPA communicated a desire for players to receive 40 percent of all money distributed to MLS teams by FIFA, including the participation fee and any performance payments for results or advancement in the tournament. The discussions come at a delicate time for the league as it weighs major changes at the board level, including flipping the calendar to a fall-spring format. That change would require player approval and changes to the CBA. With the relationship between the league and the union seeming increasingly frosty, it could complicate those larger discussions. Inter Miami opens the Club World Cup against Al Ahly on June 14.
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
PWHL Players Association votes to disclose salaries: Why they made the decision
In a decision meant to help its members advocate for themselves in contract negotiations, the PWHL Players Association has voted to disclose salaries for the first time in the league's two-season history, PWHLPA executive director Malaika Underwood told The Athletic. An 'overwhelming majority' of players voted in favor of the change over a 10-day period that ended late last week. Advertisement 'I'm proud of the players,' Underwood said. 'It's a huge step in the right direction in terms of transparency.' The timing of the move is particularly crucial due to the league's pre-expansion draft signing window that opens on Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET. During the signing period, all unprotected players and free agents can negotiate with the PWHL's two new franchises in Vancouver and Seattle. A general free agency period is expected to be sometime after the entry draft on June 24. The decision to allow for the disclosure of players salaries will give each individual player more information and agency in their negotiations with teams. 'This will be a tool for players as they consider opportunities across the league,' said Underwood. GO DEEPER New PWHLPA executive director Malaika Underwood talks priorities, expansion, more The PWHL just completed its second season, with the Minnesota Frost winning back-to-back Walter Cup championships. In the first two seasons, no player salaries were made public. Many of the league's elite players signed three-year contracts paying them at least $80,000 with their chosen team before the league's inaugural draft. According to the collective bargaining agreement, the 2025-26 salary cap will be $1.34 million, with minimum salaries set at $37,131.50. Each team's average salary will need to be $58,349.50 to be cap compliant. The Players' Association won't be publishing a public salary database at this time, but will provide the information upon request. For now, Underwood said, the focus is on supporting the players and providing them with the tools needed to advocate for themselves at the negotiating table. 'From the start the PWHL has been a progressive, athlete driven league,' said Underwood. 'And allowing for salary disclosure was a decision the players made with that in mind.'
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Remi Kamo claims Queensland Firebirds investigation was mishandled
Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system. Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo's complaint about the culture at the Firebirds. In March, the investigation concluded, Photo shows A player hunches over with a hand across their mouth turning away from the camera Netball Australia has concluded its months-long investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, but the players' association is unhappy with the outcome. Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation. "It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive," Kamo said. "Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players. "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. Kamo plays for the Firebirds against the Mavericks. ( Getty Images: Albert Perez ) "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances. "I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint. "I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia's response to my complaint." Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport. The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam. Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend. Aussie Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam was also not re-contracted by the Firebirds. ( AAP: Matt Turner ) Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment. "In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren't contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you're not welcome here. "I already knew that I didn't want to return there before they didn't contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose. "I've spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn't because they wanted to get another contract." Loading Instagram content Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation's unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture. "We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars," it said. In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process. "ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia," the statement read. "Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players. "ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "While we respect Netball Australia's responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes." Kamo's repeated efforts to speak out But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league. The Firebirds would love to move on from the dramas of last year. ( Getty: Glenn Hunt ) "My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place. "Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that's how you improve. "Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice. "To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know." Another player comes forward with concerns Kamo Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they've retired. The Super Netball trophy on display on court before the grand final. ( Getty: Scott Barbour ) Watching Kamo's story unfold over the past eight months and the way she's been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity. This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken. Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation. Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA. Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club. Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo's. Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia. They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.
