MLS labor talks at a standstill

As Major League soccer continues to expand within the realm of American sport, the league now finds itself in a peculiar situation.

In recent months, MLS and its player union have repeatedly failed to reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. But with each passing disagreement, the two sides have again and again vowed to continue talks.

Neither side, however, has pledged to rule out the possibility of effectively terminating the upcoming season in their own way. The league's owners and management may still lock out teams and players, while the players themselves are still mulling the possibility of a strike.

According to an Associated Press article, the league's first CBA expired Jan. 31, and the sides twice extended bargaining. The latest timetable expired Thursday, but no work stoppage has been announced. The crux of their debate revolves around players' demands for improved free-agent rights and more guaranteed contracts, which the league says it cannot offer.

According to a statement from MLS, the season, which begins March 25, may commence under the old CBA until a new agreement is reached:

"The current CBA expires today and the players' union would not agree to a further extension. We have told the union that the league does not plan to lock out the players and we are prepared to begin the season under the current CBA while we continue to bargain to reach agreement on a new CBA. We have listened to the issues raised by the union, and the league has made detailed proposals that have addressed these issues, including in the areas of economics, guaranteed contracts, options and the ability of a player to move to another MLS club if he is released by his current club. These proposals, which represent substantial changes from the current CBA, will significantly increase our spending and provide substantially more rights to the players."

Check in later for more updates on the labor situation in MLS and other sports leagues.