The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) representing officials in MLS, NWSL, and USL has rejected a new collective bargaining agreement proposed by the union's executive board. The overwhelming vote saw 95.8% of PSRA members rejecting ratification amid concerns over fair compensation and quality-of-life issues while dealing with the rigorous demands of officiating in MLS.

PSRA President and lead negotiator Peter Manikowski highlighted the need for officials to be adequately compensated, given the significant growth of MLS. Despite progress being made during recent negotiations, the rejection has led to the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) announcing a lockout starting at midnight ET on Saturday, with plans to start the season using replacement officials.

PRO General Manager Mark Geiger expressed disappointment over the rejection, emphasizing the fair pay increases and improvements in addressing non-economic concerns proposed by PRO. PSRA's rejection of a no strike/no lockout agreement further escalated tensions, with the PRO left with no choice but to implement a lockout to ensure the season progresses as scheduled.

Efforts to reach a new CBA have been ongoing, with the previous agreement expiring on January 15. Despite multiple extensions to continue operating under the old CBA, the PSRA's rejection of the proposed agreement has raised concerns about the start of the 2024 season.

An offer on the table includes an average compensation increase of around 25%, which aims to address concerns of referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees. However, the PSRA has filed a second unfair labor practice charge against PRO, alleging regressive bargaining tactics.

As the MLS regular season is set to begin on February 21, the standoff between PSRA and PRO continues, with both sides remaining far apart in negotiations. The lockout threat looms over the referees as the quest for a fair and satisfactory CBA continues.