MLS roster rules explained

The MLS has a unique set of roster rules that set it apart from other professional sports leagues in North America. Understanding these rules is crucial to comprehending the complexities of the league, especially during the transfer windows.

Each team in the MLS is allowed a maximum of 30 players on their roster, and these players are divided into two groups: Senior Roster and Supplemental Roster. The Senior Roster consists of up to 20 players, and they are the players that count against the salary cap. The Supplemental Roster, on the other hand, consists of up to 10 players, and they are typically younger, developmental players that make a lower salary than the Senior Roster.

The salary cap in the MLS is currently set at $7.2 million for the 2022 season, and it is a hard cap, meaning teams cannot exceed it. However, there are exceptions to the cap, such as the Designated Player Rule and the Allocation Order.

The Designated Player Rule allows teams to sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the salary cap. This rule was implemented to attract star players to the league, and it has been successful in bringing in international talent such as Didier Drogba, David Villa, and Federico Bernardeschi.

The Allocation Order is another exception to the salary cap, and it is used for the distribution of players who are returning to the league after playing abroad or who are joining the league for the first time. The order is determined by the previous season's final standings, with the team that finished last having the highest priority. In addition to the salary cap and roster rules, teams in the MLS are also subject to international player limits. Each team is allowed eight international roster spots, although they can acquire more through trades. Players from Canada and the United States do not count as international players, and therefore, do not take up an international roster spot.

It is important to note that these roster rules are subject to change, as the MLS is constantly looking for ways to improve and evolve the league. But for now, understanding these rules is key to following the league and its teams.