As of August 1, 2024

MLS NEXT implemented a fine system in the 2021-22 season to raise the standards of program in its second season.

The fines were designed by the MLS NEXT League Office in coordination with the MLS NEXT Executive Committee with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the competition, improving the administration, standardizing availability of player development resources, and fulfilling commercial obligations.

Any funds collected from fines will be reinvested into player development initiatives with a focus on increasing access to play. Funds will be allocated at the discretion of MLS NEXT
with input from the Executive Committee.

Fines will be effective immediately.

COMPETITION

Failure to play regular season, qualifying, or playoff games

  • $5,000 per game (not fixture)
  • Automatic disqualification from Playoffs for all teams at Club
  • NOTE: Does not include cancellations for COVID 19, weather, abandonment of match for safety of participants (at discretion of MLS NEXT staff), or other circumstances approved by MLS NEXT staff.

Significant change to game time location by home team

  • Any change during the Season = $300 per game
  • Within 1 week prior to the game = $500 per game with the possibility of additional travel expenses for the visiting team (if impacted)
  • NOTE: "Significant change" is any venue location, kick off time, and/or date change (not including changes due to weather) at the discretion of MLS NEXT.

Failure to submit fixture details during the Fall and Spring Fixture Negotiation Windows.

  • $300 fine per game (not fixture)

Removing your confirmed club or team from an event after the registration deadline has closed

  • $2,000 per club
  • NOTE: Does not include removals for COVID 19

Failure to upload quality video by 12:00 PM ET on Tuesday after games (U15 to U19)

  • 1st Offense = $50 per game
  • 2nd Offense = $100 per game
  • 3rd Offense (and after) = $250 per game with potential for additional sanctions (i.e., point reduction)
  • NOTE: Filming and sharing of U13 and U14 games are recommended for developmental purposes. If home team is not planning to film or share footage, then they are required to notify the visiting team in advance of the games and provide a reasonable filming location.

Outside Competition/High School Participation

  • Primary Players that participate in Outside Competition or High School soccer without approval from MLS NEXT will result in the below fines:
  • 1st Offense = $500 per team (minimum of 1 player non-approved participation)
  • 2nd Offense = $750 per team (minimum of 1 player non-approved participation)
  • 3rd Offense = $5,000 fine for the Club, regardless of the number of non-approved participants. In addition, other potential sanctions for the Club and the player, including removal from MLS NEXT.
PARTNER OBLIGATIONS

Partner obligations: patches, adidas ball, etc.

  • 1st Offense = $100 per game o 2nd Offense = $250 per game
  • 3rd Offense (and after) = $500 per game with potential for additional sanctions
  • Please contact Emilio Gulati if you have not received any of the above items or you will not be able to fulfill any of these responsibilities.

adidas Event Footwear Compliance (MLS Academies Only)

  • Club’s 1st Offense = Written Warning
  • Club’s 2nd Offense = $250 per player
  • Club’s 3rd Offense = $500 per player
  • Club’s subsequent offenses = $250 increments up to $1,000 per player
PLAYER MOVEMENT PROTOCOL
  • Up to $5,000
QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
  • All home clubs must provide a Qualified Medical Professional (QMP) for all matches as outlined in the MLS NEXT Safety & Wellbeing Policy.
  • Failure to provide a QMP= Up to $1,000