USWNT, U.S. Soccer continue on without CBA

The end of 2016 brought with it the end of U.S. Soccer’s collective bargaining agreement with the women’s national team. The deadline came and went quietly with the only news of note over the last month being the split between the players and attorney Rich Nichols. It was also largely insignificant since the agreement remains in place unless either side gives 60 days of notice that they intend to opt out. At the time Nichols was replaced as counsel for the players neither side had started that clock.

New Year’s Day is also 59 days from the start of the SheBelieves Cup, according to a release sent by the French Football Federation. U.S. Soccer has not commented on the dates and venues. With less than 60 days, the event–which will be the second of its kind–does not appear to be on track for use as a bargaining tool by the players.

The next event for the team is the annual January camp. Last year Jill Ellis named the camp roster on New Year’s Eve. There are no matches directly associated with the January camp and it is often used to bring in uncapped players for an extended look without the urgency of match preparation.

The USWNT Players Association announcement that it was no longer working with Nichols did not include information about a replacement. The two sides negotiated in December but neither has offered any specific updates.