MLS Players Union Agrees To Five-Year Labor Deal

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that Major League Soccer and its players' union have agreed in principle to a five-year labor contract, averting a possible strike ahead of Friday's season opener.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement had not been announced. The deal, the culmination of talks that began last weekend, was likely to be announced later Wednesday night. It replaces the contract that expired Jan. 31.

MLS's 20th season begins this weekend, with the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy hosting Chicago in the opener. The Fire traveled to California on Wednesday for the match. Orlando hosts New York City on Sunday in the debut of the league's 19th and 20th teams.