Major League Soccer has announced the full calendar of offseason roster building events, highlighted by the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft on December 14 and the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas on January 11.
As 2022 expansion club Charlotte FC prepare to begin MLS play next season, the team will have the opportunity to select up to five current MLS players to help shape the core of their inaugural roster during the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, as well as have the first overall selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
The full calendar for offseason roster building events and dates are detailed below.
MLS Offseason Roster Building Events
November 24th
Club Deadline to Submit Bona Fide Offers
MLS clubs that did not qualify, and those clubs eliminated from the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs by Nov. 23 must submit to the MLS League Office, in writing, all Bona Fide offers.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
November 25th -December 12th
Playoff Club Deadline to Submit Bona Fide Offers
MLS clubs eliminated from the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs must submit to the MLS League Office, in writing, all Bona Fide offers on the day following the team’s elimination.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
November 30th
Club Deadline to Exercise Options
MLS clubs not competing in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs (including clubs that did not qualify and those clubs eliminated by Nov. 29) must submit to the MLS League Office which players will have their options exercised, and which players will not have their options exercised.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
December 1st - December 12th
Playoff Club Deadline to Exercise Options
On the day following their elimination from the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, MLS clubs must notify the League Office which players will have their options exercised, and which players will not have their options exercised.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
December 12th
9 a.m. ET - 1 p.m. ET
Half-Day Trade Window Opens
Following a three-month roster freeze, MLS clubs may begin making adjustments to their rosters and conduct trades with other MLS teams.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
1 p.m. ET
Half-Day Trade Window Closes and Blackout Period Begins
Blackout Period begins whereby clubs may no longer sign and/or trade players until the conclusion of the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft.
December 14th
TBD
2021 MLS Expansion Draft
Charlotte FC may select up to five players from the eligible player list.
The list of players eligible for selection in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft will be released by MLS Communications on Monday, Dec. 13.
Expansion Draft Rules & Procedures
December 15th
1 p.m. ET
End-of-Year Waivers
The End-of-Year Waivers process is conducted in reverse order of 2021 season finish, considering postseason performance. Expansion club Charlotte FC will have the first pick in each round.
Eligible for selection are players who do not meet the minimum requirements for Re-Entry Process or Free Agency.
End-of-Year Waivers Rules & Procedures
The list of players eligible for End-of-Year Waivers will be released by MLS Communications on Monday, Dec. 13.
1 p.m. ET
Free Agency Opens
Clubs may engage with players, other than their own, that are eligible for Free Agency.
Free Agency eligible players are out-of-contract and option-declined players who are at least 24 years old and who have completed a minimum of four service years.
Free Agency Rules & Procedures
MLS Communications will make the complete list of Free Agents available on Monday, Dec. 13.
December 17
1 p.m. ET
Re-Entry Process, Stage 1
The Re-Entry Process (Stage 1 and Stage 2) is conducted in reverse order of 2021 season finish, considering postseason performance. Expansion club Charlotte FC will have the 28th pick in each round.
Eligible Players include those who are at least 22 years old, have a minimum of one service year, and their contract options were not exercised by their clubs or they did not receive a bona fide offer.
MLS Re-Entry Process Rules
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 1 will be released by MLS Communications on Monday, Dec. 13.
December 23
1 p.m. ET
Re-Entry Process, Stage 2
The Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 is conducted in the same order as Stage 1 and consists of MLS players who were not selected in the Stage 1.
Not all unselected Stage 1 players will be available for selection as players may re-sign with their previous club between stages or may opt out of the process.
MLS Re-Entry Process Rules
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 2 will be released by MLS Communications on December 23 at 10 a.m. ET.