Four days after the 2023 MLS Cup presented by Audi, teams can begin engaging with players via the league’s Free Agency process in preparation for the 2024 season. Eligible players will be at least twenty-four (24) years old in the year in which the immediately preceding League Season concluded and have at least five (5) MLS Service Years. This allows players the freedom to negotiate a new contract with any MLS club, including their previous team, subject to certain restrictions.
Key dates:
- Dec. 1: Option Exercise Deadlines. MLS clubs must submit to the MLS League Office which players will have their options exercised and which players will not have their options exercised. This excludes Conference Final participants.
- Dec. 3 or Dec. 4: Option Exercise Deadlines for losing Conference Final clubs. Clubs must submit to the MLS league office which players will have their options exercised and which players will not have their options exercised.
- Dec. 10: Option Exercise Deadlines for 2023 MLS Cup presented by Audi clubs. Clubs must submit to the MLS league office which players will have their options exercised and which players will not have their options exercised.
- Dec. 13: MLS Communications will make available the complete list of free agents on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
- Dec. 13: On Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. ET, clubs may engage players – other than their own – who are eligible for Free Agency.
Key parameters:
- There is no limit on the number of Free Agents a team may sign each year.
- Out of contract players who receive a Bona Fide offer from his current team can still participate in Free Agency.
- Free agent players may re-sign with their current club at any compensation subject to League approval in its discretion at any time prior to the beginning of Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft (Thursday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. ET).
