The monthlong lockout of MLS referees has ended, with the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) voting to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) late on Monday night that will run through January 2031.
The Athletic was the first to report the CBA ratification, and sources confirmed it to ESPN. PRO’s senior match officials will return to MLS action for matchday seven, which begins on March 30.
“We thank the hundreds of officials in the U.S. and Canada who stood in solidarity with us showing their strength and professionalism,” the PSRA said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Standing strong with each other, we have been buoyed by the support of players, fans, supporters clubs and other unionized workgroups during our employer-imposed lockout. Together, we have won much-needed improvements while demonstrating the value of having the best referees in Major League Soccer on the pitch.”