New UFL CBA increases minimum salary, roster size - ESPN

The United Football Players Association has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Football League, ending nearly six months of negotiations, according to union officials.

The deal, which is pending final approval from the UFL, is retroactive to the start of training camp, which opened March 2, and will extend through the end of the 2026 season.

The new CBA includes an annual raise of $7,005 on the players' minimum salary, from $55,000 to $62,005 for players who participate in all 10 regular-season games, and makes all players eligible for year-round health care, according to a fact sheet produced by the UFPA. The minimum salary for 2026 will be $64,000.

«I think this is a reflection of the fact that the UFL and the UFPA ultimately wanted to come together to reach a sustainable deal that will ensure that spring football will be here to stay,» said Harry Marino, president of Sports Solidarity and the UFPA's lead negotiator for the CBA. «And as hard-fought as the negotiation was, I think this is turning the page and saying, 'OK, now we're going to work in partnership to make sure this thing lasts and succeeds.'»

The UFL did not immediately comment on the agreement.

Labor certainty should lead to more continuity among the player pool, Michigan Panthers quarterback Danny Etling said.

Among the structural changes in the new UFL CBA:

• Annual raise of $7,005 on players' minimum salary

• Makes all players eligible for year-round health care

• Team roster size increase from 42 players to 43 during the regular season and 58 to 64 during training camp

• Player bonuses of $500 for player of the week awards, $5,000 for players of the year, $7,500 for league MVP and $5,000 for players that win the UFL