MLS players reportedly reach agreement with league on Club World Cup prize money

MLS players have agreed a deal with the league that will sem get a significant chunk of Club World Cup prize money, ending months of tense negotiations between the two parties, the Athleticreported. The two sides had been at something of an impasse as to how much the players would take of the estimated $30 million prize pot.

Previous provisions under the Collective Bargaining Agreement stated that players were entitled to 50 percent of prize money from outside tournaments, but earnings were capped at $1 million. After negotiations, the two sides agreed on a 30 percent deal, without any cap on earnings.

The deal would seem to be a big coup for the players, who have seen their take-home from CWC participation increase significantly. CONCACAF clubs earned $9.55 million each for participating in the competition, plus extra bonuses based on their results. Inter Miami took home an extra $7.5m for making it to the last 16.

But there is no provision in the current CBA to cope with such massive sums of money. The agreement has seen the players get a larger slice of the pie than they might otherwise be entitled to.

Despite haggling over earnings for the tournament, MLS teams ultimately underperformed on the big stage. The three sides combined for just one win across their 10 fixtures, with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami beating Porto, 2-1.

The current deal would seem to be a victory for the players, but another challenge is looming before the next iteration of the competition. The current CBA expires in 2028, one year before the 2029 Club World Cup - in which some MLS clubs will surely participate.