MLS announced a host of updates to internal rules that could potentially have significant impacts on how teams build their rosters, specifically for the stretch run.
The headlining changes are a shift in the transfer windows. The Primary Window will now open from January 26 - March 26, while the Secondary Window will now stay open from July 13 - September 2. This marks the first time in about 20 years that the summer window will stay open into September, which theoretically gives MLS teams time to acquire talent from Europe where most of the windows close by August 31. MLS was also able to get a waiver that puts the three Canadian teams on the same transfer calendar as the rest of the league after previously being governed by the Canadian Soccer Federation’s window.
There were several other changes that could be impactful in their own ways, as well:
- Roster Compliance day is now Feb. 20 at 8 PM ET with the Roster Freeze pushed back to Oct. 9 for the 2026 season.
- Intra-league loan rules have been significantly loosened, allowing teams to make as many loans as they please and removing age restrictions. Previously, teams were limited to two loans per year and players generally had to be 24 years old or younger.
- The league eliminated the limit on the number of “cash-for-player trades” a team can make each season. Previously, teams had been limited to two.
- There’s no longer a deadline on when a player can be switched from international to domestic.
- If a team trades away an international roster spot before or during the Primary Window, they can now have it returned in the Secondary Window. A specific date for the return must also now be defined. Previously, international roster spots were traded for the remainder of the season.
- Designated Players who are acquired via the “cash-for-player trade” during the Secondary Window can now be added at the mid-season DP salary budget charge.
- Players who appear on the gameday roster are still eligible to be played in the Supplement Slot 31 as long as they meet those requirements.
Of these changes, the intra-league loan could prove to be the most consequential as it theoretically allows teams to stockpile players for the stretch run.
