SEATTLE, WASH. - Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Major League Soccer Players Union today announced that they have reached agreement in principle on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering five seasons, commencing with the 2015 season and continuing through the 2019 season.
Below are statements from Sounders FC officials regarding tonight's news.
SOUNDERS FC OWNER ADRIAN HANAUER
"On behalf of Seattle Sounders FC, I'd like to congratulate both Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Union on reaching a new Collective Bargaining Agreement ahead of the 2015 season. Our sport has never had more momentum across North America, and reaching a new agreement at this time is pivotal as we move into the next phase of our growth and development as a league. Both sides worked hard to achieve this moment, and we can't wait to get our 2015 season underway on Sunday in front of our fans at CenturyLink Field."
SOUNDERS FC GENERAL MANAGER & PRESIDENT OF SOCCER GARTH LAGERWEY
"Congratulations to both Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Union on this evening's news. With a new CBA in place, we look forward to continuing to build our roster and focusing on starting the 2015 season on Sunday night."
SOUNDERS FC HEAD COACH SIGI SCHMID
"After hearing tonight's news, I am just very thrilled, very happy for our fans, the North American soccer community, as well as the players and ownership groups. Being able to compromise and move forward with the growth of this league is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to all involved."
Hanauer, Lagerwey and Schmid will be made available at Sounders FC Media Day on Friday, March 6 at CenturyLink Field, beginning at 10:00 a.m. PT. Members of the media wishing to attend should RSVP with a member of Sounders FC's Communications Department by close of business on Thursday, March 5. Parking is being provided to those media members that RSVP.
Sounders FC kicks off the 2015 MLS regular season at home against New England on Sunday, March 8 on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field (FOX Sports 1 / 6:30 p.m. PT).
