MLS Updates Roster Construction Rules
MLS Updates Roster Construction Rules
See what massive modifications were made and how it impacts the Revolution.
After months of rumors, Thursday saw Major League Soccer officially update its roster rules as the secondary transfer window opened.
The rule change now sees clubs have access to six “Primary Roster Spots” for Designated Players and U-22 Initiative players. While clubs can only have a max of 3 DPs on the roster, clubs can use the remaining three Primary Roster Spots on U-22 Initiative players.
With the addition comes flexibility for clubs. Clubs with three DPs can use up to three U-22 roster spots. Teams with two DPs can exchange the third DP slot for a fourth U-22 Initiative slot plus up to an additional $2 million in General Allocation Money.
Clubs must declare what path they intend to use by the end of the secondary transfer window on August 14th. Clubs who opt for the four U-22 spots will receive $1 million for the 2024 season before reverting to $2 million for 2025 and beyond.
Following the 2024 season, clubs must declare which of the two paths (3 DP and 3 U22 or 2 DP and 4 U22) before each season starts and remain on that path for the entire season.
On top of the new Primary Roster Spots, Thursday saw a huge upgrade regarding the transfer of players. Before today’s ruling, clubs could only convert up to $1,215,506 of transfer fees into Allocation money. Clubs can now convert up to $3 million in total transfer revenue to allocation money, a 146% increase.
MLS Executive Vice President of Player Strategy and Relations Todd Durbin said Thursday’s modifications “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”.
We have a unique opportunity with the World Cup coming in two years,” Durbin added. “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.”
Thursday's changes have made things interesting for the Revolution. With Tomas Chancalay on the season-ending injury list, Caleb Porter now has two designated players in Carles Gil and Giacomo Vrioni and one U-22 Initiative player in Dylan Borrero. This means the Revs could go down either of the two "Primary Roster Spot" paths for the remainder of 2024. It will be interesting to see which route the Revolution takes over the next month.
Are there any restrictions on how many injured players you can have on a roster? I think 2 DP and 4 U22 would be good. More bites at the apple to hit. Concern is where do they get the roster spots to fill them out as well as the international slots.