ATL Standard

Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced three significant roster rule modifications, providing clubs with increased flexibility in overall roster construction and additional benefits when players are transferred or loaned to clubs outside of MLS. These changes, effective from the 2024 Secondary Transfer Window, result from a comprehensive process conducted by the league and its Sporting and Competition Committee, which includes MLS owners and select club sporting directors. The process began in early 2023 and incorporated insights from over 25,000 soccer fans surveyed across the United States and Canada.

"The new roster rules open the door for clubs to sign additional world-class players and more emerging stars while also providing a great deal of flexibility to invest across the roster," said Todd Durbin, MLS Executive Vice President Player Strategy and Relations. "We have a unique opportunity with the World Cup coming in two years. These modifications, along with others being discussed for potential implementation in 2025 and beyond, will elevate our league and increase fan engagement around the world."

The new rules will impact how clubs can spend significant funds outside of the salary budget. Additionally, they provide teams with opportunities to move discretionary spending into the general spending pool.

Below are the three roster rule changes:

1. **Six Prime Roster Spots for Designated Players and U22 Initiative Players**: All MLS rosters will now feature six prime roster spots that can be used to acquire or retain more world-class players and emerging talents. This adjustment allows clubs unprecedented ability to invest in high-caliber talent using all three Designated Player slots and all three U22 Initiative Player slots.

2. **Roster Construction Flexibility**: Clubs will have new flexibility with two different roster construction models, allowing increased creative control over discretionary fund allocation according to their individual philosophies. Clubs can exchange one Designated Player slot for both a fourth U22 Initiative slot and up to an additional $2 million as General Allocation Money annually. For 2024 midseason implementation, this amount is up to $1 million.

3. **Opportunity for More Allocation Money from Transfers**: The updated rules allow clubs to convert up to $3 million of total transfer revenues received into General Allocation Money without restriction on amounts from any individual player transfer, compared to the previous limit of $1,215,506 per transfer.

For further details on the full 2024 MLS Roster Rules & Regulations, interested parties can access additional information through official channels.