Major League Soccer today announced the full calendar of offseason roster building events, highlighted by the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft on Dec. 14 and the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas on Jan. 11.
As 2022 expansion club Charlotte FC prepareS 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.
Wednesday, Nov. 24: Club deadline to submit Bona Fide Offers
MLS clubs that did not qualify, and those clubs eliminated from the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, must submit to the MLS League Office, in writing, all Bona Fide offers by Tuesday, Nov. 23.
Nov. 25 - Dec. 12: Playoff club deadline to submit Bona Fide Offers
MLS clubs concluding 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.
Tuesday, Nov. 30: 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.
Dec. 1-12: 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.
Sunday, Dec. 12 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT): 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.
Sunday, Dec. 12 (12 p.m. CT): 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 14 (time 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.
Wednesday, Dec. 15 (12 p.m. CT): 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. The list of players eligible for End-of-Year Waivers will be released by MLS Communications on Monday, Dec. 13.
Wednesday, Dec. 15 (12 p.m. CT): 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. MLS Communications will make the complete list of Free Agents available on Monday, Dec. 13.
Friday, Dec. 17 (12 p.m. CT): 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.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 1 will be released by MLS Communications on Monday, Dec. 13.
Thursday, Dec. 23 (12 p.m. CT): 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.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 2 will be released by MLS Communications on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 9 a.m. CT.
Tuesday, Jan. 11 (time TBD): 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas
