Sources: MLS, players reached new Club World Cup bonus agreement

Major League Soccer (MLS) and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) agreed during the Club World Cup to restructure player bonus compensation for the tournament. MLS committed to paying players a minimum 40% increase over the $1 million maximum originally stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Additionally, players will receive 30% of all Club World Cup performance prize money without any cap. LAFC also received a separate $250,000 bonus for winning the play-in match that secured their tournament spot after Club León's expulsion.

The agreement was finalized on June 27th, shortly before Inter Miami's knockout stage game. MLS characterized the deal as providing "meaningful enhancements" and "substantial value" beyond CBA requirements, calling it the "most lucrative bonus package in the tournament." The need for renegotiation arose because the current CBA's $1 million bonus cap was set before the tournament's expanded format and unprecedented prize pool ($9.55 million participation fee plus performance bonuses for Concacaf teams) existed.

Negotiations were prolonged and contentious, extending into the tournament itself, with both sides expressing frustration. The MLSPA stated that players were "deeply disappointed" with the league's tactics, citing "stonewalling, threats and retaliation," and warned this approach would not work in future major negotiations, including upcoming CBA talks set to expire in 2028.

The bonus dispute became public when Seattle Sounders players wore "Club World Cash Grab" shirts during warm-ups. Despite losing all three of their games, Sounders players collectively earned $1.4 million in bonuses. LAFC earned one point in the group stage, resulting in $1.8 million in bonuses ($1.25M participation, $250K qualifying, $300K draw). Inter Miami was the most successful MLS team, winning a game and advancing to the knockout stage, earning their players $4.7 million ($1.25M participation, $1.2M group stage results, $2.25M knockout stage).

MLS also permitted team owners to convert up to $750,000 of their Club World Cup payouts into allocation money for roster budgets, an option all three participating teams utilized fully.