MLS Updates Roster Rules Ahead of 2017 Season

Apr 17, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Adidas soccer balls on the field near one of the goals prior to the game with Sporting Kansas City playing against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Adidas soccer balls on the field near one of the goals prior to the game with Sporting Kansas City playing against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) against Toronto FC in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) against Toronto FC in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Acquisition costs: Transfer or loan fees.

Designated Player:  We have all heard the term Designated Player, but what is a designated player? First of all players like Sebastian Giovinco, Nicolas Lodeiro, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore are all considered Designed Players.  While their is no maximum salary, there is a budget charge, which in 2017 is $480,625.  DP’s for the most part will have salaries above this number. After that charge the team is reliable for paying the remaining salary.  All teams are allotted three DP spots.  Here’s a list of a few notable DP’s playing in 2017:

  • Sebastian Giovinco – Toronto FC
  • Jozy Altidore – Toronto FC
  • Michael Bradley – Toronto FC
  • Nicolas Lodeiro – Seattle Sounders
  • David Villa – NYCFC
  • Bradley Wright-Phillips – New York Red Bulls

Discovery List: Teams are allowed to keep a discovery list of seven players that they can sign during the discovery process.

Discovery Process: When a player is not under contract to the MLS, and isn’t eligible for any other roster mechanism.  While teams can sign these players, they can only sign them if they’re on their discovery list.

Draft-Eligible List: Players coming out of college or international that are eligible for the MLS SuperDraft.

Generation Adidas Players: MLS and Adidas have a partnership deal.  Only some underclassmen and youth national team players fall under this category.  Adidas signs them to these contracts before the SuperDraft.  These salaries are a blessing for MLS teams because they don’t count against the cap.

Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) runs the ball against Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) during the second half at Yankee Stadium. Toronto FC won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) runs the ball against Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) during the second half at Yankee Stadium. Toronto FC won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

International Roster Spot: In 2017 the MLS will have 176 international roster spots.  These spots are tradable and are considered a huge asset for teams.

Primary Transfer Window: This is the first of two transfer windows in the MLS, and falls between February 14-May 8).  Teams can not sign anyone or make a trade after this window closes, much like in Europe.

Secondary Transfer Window: During the summer months of the MLS season another transfer window opens.  July 17-August 9 is when the 2017 window runs.  Teams can sign players or trade players during this window and the primary window only.

SuperDraft: The MLS SuperDraft is where college and non-collegiate players get drafted into the MLS.  In 2017 Minnesota United F.C. selected Abu Danladi a forward out of UCLA with the first overall selection.

Salary Budget: Like in the NHL, and the NBA teams are limited in how much they can spend.  in 2017 the MLS has set a salary cap at $3.845 million.

Salary Charge: This is the amount of salary that counts against a teams cap.

Re-Entry Draft: If a team declines a players options and he meets the criteria he will be entered into the Re-Entry Draft phase of the MLS.

Special Discovery Player: Teams can gradually write off the cost of this player over the term of their contract.  Each club is allowed to have one of these players on their roster.

Transfer Fee: The amount of money a team will pay to acquire a player from another team outside the MLS or in the MLS.

Waivers: If a team does not want a certain player they can release this player by placing him on waivers.  All teams has the right to claim this player.

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Youth Academy: Teams may sign players from their own youth academies.  Youth academies are great for homegrown player discounts.

Canadian Approved Youth Club: A Canadian player would have to play in one of these to qualify as a Domestic Player for an American based club.