Major League Soccer and its players' union have agreed in principle to a five-year labour contract, averting a possible strike ahead of today's season opener.

The deal, the culmination of talks that began last weekend, was announced Wednesday night and would replace the contract that expired January 31.

MLS's 20th season begins this weekend, with the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy hosting the Chicago Fire in the opener.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber says "this agreement will provide a platform for our players, ownership and management to work together to help build Major League Soccer into one of the great soccer leagues in the world."