As reported here yesterday, the players union had threatened a walkout just before this weekend's opening matches with the issue of free agency being the 800 pound gorilla in the room. But as Richard Sandomir reports in today's New York Times, the two sides agreed to a five-year deal that allows limited free agency.
It won't be easy for a player to become a free agent in the single-entity league. He will need to be at least 28 years old with eight years in the league and there would be a cap on his salary if he moved.
The deal also increases the minimum salary to $60,000 from $36,500, a 60 percent jump.
“The
players were very focused on having more freedom of movement and we’ve
been able to provide that,” Commissioner Don Garber is quoted as saying. “Everyone
wins. Our owners are able to protect their system and players are able
to achieve more movement.”
Meanwhile, the Times' Jack Bell gives a team-by-team rundown of the league as it sets to begin its 20th season minus one team from 2014 (Chivas USA) but with two new franchises (New York and Orlando).
Looking forward to a great season.
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