The MLS board of governors recently approved significant changes to the league's roster rules, aimed at providing teams with more flexibility in constructing their rosters. These changes, as reported by various sources, include adjustments to the restrictions on designated players and under-22 initiative signings. Teams will now have more leeway in the number of these players they can have on their rosters.
Additionally, the board approved an increase in the number of contract buyouts allowed per season, from one to two. This change is intended to lessen the impact of roster-building mistakes on teams. A buyout removes a player's salary budget hit, providing teams with more financial flexibility to allocate resources elsewhere.
Another key modification involves an increase in the amount of general allocation money (GAM) teams receive when transferring players out of the league. This adjustment will give teams more flexibility in managing their budgets and potentially benefit those who are more active in transferring players abroad.
Notably, a proposed 'legends rule' that would have allowed teams to retain long-time veterans did not make it into the final package of roster rule modifications. However, ongoing discussions within the MLS sporting and competition group suggest that this rule may be revisited in the future.
These changes come at a crucial time for MLS, with the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and increasing pressure to enhance the level of play in the league. The modifications are set to go into effect when the summer transfer window opens on July 18, pending approval by the MLS Players Association.
Of the various changes, the adjustment to the number of designated players and under-22 signings is considered the most significant. Teams will now have more options in how they allocate these roster spots, potentially leading to more dynamic and competitive rosters.
Overall, these changes aim to modernize and improve roster management in MLS, providing teams with greater flexibility and resources to enhance the quality of play in the league.
