Canadian Soccer Business points to 'new, landmark offer' made to Canada Soccer

While Canada Soccer says a new labour agreement with its players is contingent on a reworked deal with Canadian Soccer Business, CSB says it "proactively made a new, landmark offer" six weeks ago.

Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer's CEO and general secretary, said Monday the association has reached a "framework" for a long-awaited labour agreement with its men's and women's national teams. But he emphasized sealing the deal is contingent on a reworked agreement with Canadian Soccer Business.

CSB, whose investor group and board includes the Canadian Premier League owners, looks after marketing and broadcast rights for both Canada Soccer and the CPL, now in its sixth season.

The players have complained the CSB agreement is holding the game back and preventing national teams from getting the preparation they need.

Canada Soccer is believed to receive some $4 million a year under the current CSB deal as "the beneficiary of a rights fee guarantee." That amount has been boosted by some $500,000 each year leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

In a short statement Tuesday, CSB said it was "pleased" that progress had been made between Canada Soccer and its players. And it said its offer was "for the benefit of all stakeholders."

"Since then, we have been actively engaged in the process of bettering our partnership, and we are encouraged by the discussions with Canada Soccer's leadership," it added.

"It is time for all stakeholders to come together to ensure the next couple of years are the most successful and cohesive in Canadian soccer history, as we build toward hosting the 2026 World Cup on home soil."

CSB did not provide details of its offer. Neither did Canada Soccer.

"The parties have been working towards a revised agreement for