Those anticipating the upcoming San Jose Earthquakes’ season might have to brace themselves for disappointment, and not because of poor performances. As the MLS season begins on March 6th, the timing of a prospective Quakes players’ strike couldn’t be worse. The previous agreement expired on January 31st and and the players are holding out for better terms. A new contract is yet to be finalized.
What’s more, the league is set to form a partnership with Sky Sports in the UK, which would undoubtedly give the team more coverage; a strike would delay and possibly threaten that possibility. Perennially upstaged by more prominent Bay Area teams like the Giants, As, 49ers and Raiders, the Quakes may see their time in the spotlight overshadowed by the strike. And If the deal with Sky falls through, MLS can expect much bigger problems than a strike. Hopefully, the potential for lost international revenue will compel the league and players to wrap up their negotiations, and quick. For Bay Area sports fans who want a sure thing this spring, the San Jose Sharks are boycott-free and playing on schedule.