The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the agreement between the players’ union and the owners of Major League Baseball that sets the rules for the league. It determines how much players get paid, how long contracts can be and how teams can be managed. A new CBA is negotiated every five years or so, and it usually takes several months for the two sides to come to an agreement. So, just how long does a baseball CBA last?
What is a Baseball CBA?
A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding agreement between the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Major League Baseball owners. The CBA governs all aspects of the relationship between the players and the owners, including salary, benefits, and job security. It also covers the rules and regulations of the game itself, such as the use of instant replay and the number of teams in the league.
The CBA is negotiated every five years, and the last one was signed in December 2016. The agreement is renewed in the same manner as any other labor contract and the negotiations are often quite contentious.
How Long Does a Baseball CBA Last?
The length of a baseball CBA depends on how long it takes the two sides to reach an agreement. Generally, the negotiation process can take anywhere from a few months to several years. On average, a CBA will last for about five years, although some have lasted as long as seven years.
Once the CBA has been signed, it is usually in effect for the duration of its term. However, if either side takes certain actions, such as filing a grievance, the CBA can be extended for an additional year.
What Changes Can Be Made to a Baseball CBA?
During the course of a CBA, the two sides can agree to make changes to the agreement. For example, the CBA might include provisions for salary increases, changes to the playoffs format, or new rules for player safety.
These changes can be made without having to renegotiate the entire CBA. However, if either side wants to make major changes to the agreement, they will have to renegotiate the entire CBA.
Will the Current CBA Last?
The current CBA was signed in December 2016 and is set to expire in December 2021. It is likely that the two sides will come to an agreement to extend the CBA for another five years.
However, with the league facing a financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a possibility that the two sides may not be able to come to an agreement. If that happens, the CBA may expire and the two sides may have to start the negotiation process from scratch.
Conclusion
The length of a baseball CBA depends on how long it takes for the two sides to reach an agreement. On average, the CBA will last for about five years, although some have lasted as long as seven years. During the course of the CBA, the two sides can make changes to the agreement without having to renegotiate the entire CBA. The current CBA is set to expire in December 2021, but with the league facing a financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a possibility that the two sides may not be able to come to an agreement.