In a historic move for Major League Soccer (MLS), the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) have finalized a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This groundbreaking agreement, spanning an impressive seven years from 2024 to 2030, represents the longest CBA in MLS history for match officials.

With the new CBA now in place, match officials represented by PSRA are set to return to officiating MLS games starting from Saturday, March 30, which marks the much-anticipated Matchday 7. This development brings with it a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation for fans, players, and coaches alike.

Nelson Rodríguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting Product & Competition, expressed his satisfaction with the new CBA and the commitment it holds for the future of MLS officiating. He acknowledged the high caliber of match officials in the league and highlighted the significant investment made by PRO in the referee program, placing MLS among the top global soccer leagues in terms of resources allocated to match officials.

Rodríguez emphasized that this new agreement strengthens PRO's long-term partnership and builds upon their dedication to continuously develop and train referees, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall quality of officiating in MLS. He expressed his gratitude to PRO and the match officials for their unwavering commitment throughout the 2024 MLS season, and their vital role in providing valuable on-field experience that will continue to benefit PRO, MLS, and other leagues in the future.

As the return of PRO match officials looms on the horizon, MLS players, coaches, and clubs are commended for their professionalism and contributions throughout the opening month of the season. The continued support of the fans has also been acknowledged and appreciated.

With this groundbreaking agreement, MLS demonstrates its commitment to ensuring fair and top-quality officiating for the foreseeable future. The return of PRO match officials promises to bring an added level of confidence and expertise to the game, making for an exciting continuation of the 2024 MLS season.