Major League Soccer announced today three significant changes to its roster rules that would give clubs more freedom in how they put up their rosters overall and greater advantages when players are loaned or transferred to teams outside of the league.
The changes are the outcome of an extensive, data-driven process carried out by the league and its Sporting and Competition Committee, which is made up of select club sporting directors and MLS owners. The changes take effect with the 2024 Secondary Transfer Window. Beginning in early 2023, the process included feedback from surveys conducted among more than 25,000 soccer fans in the US and Canada. The league’s ongoing examination of its competitive structure and roster regulations has progressed with the announcement of the new rules today.
These significant changes highlight Major League Soccer’s dedication to developing the sport in North America and offer an even more competitive and thrilling future for players, clubs, and fans alike, even as the league reviews more roster rule changes.
“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 regulations will affect how clubs can allocate large sums of money that are not part of the pay budget. Furthermore, teams can now transfer discretionary spending into the general spending pool according to the new regulations.
