Kansas City Mavericks games at risk as players’ union threatens strike

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City Mavericks games could be postponed starting after Christmas as the players’ union threatens to strike over a contract dispute.

The ECHL announced on Tuesday, Dec. 23, that the Professional Hockey Players’ Association could call a strike as early as Dec. 26. That is, if the league and union do not reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

Several Mavericks games could be at risk, including a Dec. 26 match in Tulsa and a New Year’s Eve home game.

What’s at Stake for Players

If the union calls for a strike, the league confirmed that players would lose pay, housing and medical benefits. Leaders want to avoid that outcome.

The league’s offer includes a 16% salary increase this season and nearly 27% over time. It also covers housing, medical beneifts and limits on travel between back-to-back games.

The ECHL said the proposal includes mandatory days of and higher daily meal allowances - up to $60 this year, with future increases raising it by 24.5%.

Other provisions in the league’s proposal include:

• Each team must provide a mandatory day off each week
• After 3 games in 3 days, players get a mandatory day off
• Travel between back-to-back games is limited to 325 miles during the regular season, with exceptions allowing up to 400 miles twice per season
• Increased career enhancement payments
• Opportunities for players to earn compensation through commercial appearances

Player’s Association Negotiations

On Monday, PHPA Director Brian Ramsay said players voted to authorize the bargaining committee to call for a strike.

“Our members have made it very clear that they’ve had enough,” Ramsay told the media in a video call. “Unfortunately, this is a league that would rather bully us than bargain.”

According to Ramsay, inflation would have players making less than the equivalent in 2018.

The PHPA seeks more than the league’s offer of increased caps and continued benefits and continues to push for a less grueling schedule.

The association has alleged that the league uses intimidation tactics that violate labor laws, such as threats of lost benefits during a strike.

Why Negotiations Stalled

ECHL leaders said the contract expired in June 2025. Negotiations started late due to changes at the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

The league indicated that negotiations are progressing, but not as quickly as hoped.

“We have reached a number of tentative agreements and remain focused on reaching a comprehensive new agreement that supports our players and the long-term health of every team in our league,” league leadership said on its collective bargaining agreement page.

Local Response

Mavericks leadership declined to comment and directed KCTV5 to the ECHL’s collective bargaining website.

The PHPA informed players in late December that it could call a strike as early as Dec. 26. The stoppage would result in the postponement of games.

Fans can check HERE for updates on negotiations and game status.