A new collective bargaining agreement between the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) has been agreed upon.

MLS referees are expected back at league matches this weekend, PRO and the PSRA announced Tuesday. The new CBA will run until January, 31, 2031, the release added.

A tentative agreement was reached last week, and PSRA members who officiate regularly in Major League Soccer voted on Monday to accept the deal.

“We look forward to welcoming our senior match officials back this upcoming match round. It has been a difficult time for everyone as we worked to reach an agreement,” Mark Geiger, PRO’s general manager said. “This seven-year term provides enhanced pay and benefits for all officials and the stability that will support the growth of the professional game in the United States and Canada.

“On behalf of PRO, I would like to thank the PSRA negotiating team and the federal mediator for their commitment to finding a mutually agreeable conclusion to these negotiations and their hard work in finalizing the terms. We now move forward together with renewed positivity as PRO continues to lead the way in developing world-class match officials.”

Replacement referees have been used through the opening weeks of the 2024 MLS season, which has led to some controversial decisions in multiple matches.

Week 6’s slate gets underway on Saturday with the Philadelphia Union hosting Minnesota United.