Sounders Protest Club World Cup with Cash Grab Shirts Over Prize Money Dispute

On June 1, 2025, Seattle Sounders players made a powerful statement by wearing white “Club World Ca$h Grab” T-shirts during pregame warm-ups and player walkouts before their match against Minnesota United, protesting the MLS’s refusal to fairly share the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup’s estimated $2.5 billion prize pool. The shirts, emblazoned with “Club World Ca$h Grab” on the front alongside Mr. Monopoly in a hat marked “MLS” and a money pouch labeled “FIFA $,” with “Fair Share Now” on the back, highlighted the players’ demand for equitable compensation. Supported by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA), the team’s 20-minute post-game stand on the field amplified the message, igniting debate about player rights in MLS. Fans can join the movement with the Club World Cash Grab Shirt, a bold symbol of this protest.

A Striking Design Fuels the Protest

Sounders players, including Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák, wore the white “Club World Ca$h Grab” T-shirts during warm-ups and walkouts for their 3-2 loss to Minnesota United, using the design to criticize the MLS’s handling of the Club World Cup’s $9.55 million per-team payout. The front features Mr. Monopoly, donning a top hat with “MLS” and clutching a money pouch marked “FIFA $,” paired with the phrase “Club World Ca$h Grab,” while the back boldly reads “Fair Share Now.” This sharp, satirical design turned a financial dispute into a visual statement that resonated with fans and players alike.

As the 2022 Concacaf Champions League winners, the Sounders will join Inter Miami CF and LAFC in the tournament, set for June 14 to July 13, 2025. The T-shirts, displayed prominently during pregame rituals, underscored the players’ belief that the MLS’s offer—reportedly less than 10% of the prize money—undervalues their role in the global event. The post-game stand, where players explained their stance, further emphasized the issue’s weight, making the shirts a rallying point for supporters.

The design’s clever use of Mr. Monopoly and the “Ca$h Grab” phrasing has captured attention, highlighting the players’ unified push for fairness. With MLS aiming to shine against teams like Bayern Munich, the protest pressures the league to address compensation concerns. The T-shirts have become a fan favorite, symbolizing a stand against perceived inequity in the sport.

Every Sounders player is currently wearing a "Club World Cash Grab" shirt in warmups. pic.twitter.com/XGIlVgSbUS

— Noah Riffe (@NoahRiffe) June 1, 2025

A Fight for Equity in MLS

The 2025 Club World Cup’s massive payouts have exposed tensions in MLS, with Sounders players arguing that the league’s proposed split favors clubs over those on the pitch. The MLSPA is advocating for a fairer model, similar to European leagues where players often receive 30-50% of tournament earnings, fueling a broader debate about labor rights in American soccer. Grab your own Club World Cash Grab Shirt to support the Sounders’ demand for equity Club World Cash Grab Shirt.

The white T-shirts, with their striking Mr. Monopoly design and “Fair Share Now” message, have transformed a financial grievance into a cultural moment. Reports suggest Inter Miami and LAFC players may adopt similar protests, hinting at a league-wide movement. The design’s bold imagery resonates beyond the Sounders’ fanbase, drawing attention to the players’ fight for respect as MLS prepares for the global stage.

With the Club World Cup looming, the Sounders’ protest has put MLS leadership under scrutiny. The “Club World Ca$h Grab” T-shirts, blending satire with a call for change, are more than apparel—they’re a symbol of a pivotal moment in MLS’s evolution. This protest could reshape how the league values its players, making the shirts a lasting emblem of the fight for fairness.