Major League Soccer (MLS) has recently announced significant changes to its roster rules, aimed at providing teams with more flexibility in constructing their rosters. These changes were officially implemented on Thursday.
One of the key changes involves relaxing restrictions on the combined number of Designated Players and under-22 signings. Previously, teams faced limitations based on the number of overage Designated Players they had. Now, teams can choose between two paths: signing three Designated Players and three U22 players, or two Designated Players and four U22 players along with an additional $2 million in General Allocation Money.
These paths must be selected at the start of each season, with no mid-season alterations. The changes have come into effect with the opening of the summer transfer window.
MLS Executive Vice President for Player Strategy and Relations, Todd Durbin, highlighted that these modifications will allow clubs to sign more world-class players and emerging talents, enhancing the league's competitiveness and fan engagement, especially with the upcoming World Cup in 2026.
Designated Players enable teams to sign players whose compensation exceeds the maximum budget charge, while U22 signings involve players aged 22 or younger with specific budget impacts. Additionally, the amount of General Allocation Money teams retain from player transfers out of the league has been increased to $3 million per season.
While some proposed changes, such as increasing the number of contract buyouts per season, did not materialize, the alterations are seen as a positive step towards elevating the league's profile and attracting top talent.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the impending end of Lionel Messi's contract in 2025, MLS is under pressure to enhance its competitiveness and level of play. The impact of these roster rule changes, particularly regarding Designated Players and U22 signings, is expected to benefit clubs like Inter Miami, known for their aggressive approach to player acquisitions.
