Major League Soccer today released its 2016-17 offseason calendar, outlining important offseason events and timetables as teams begin to make preparations for the 2017 MLS season.
Highlighting the offseason, the 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine returns to Los Angeles in January for the first time in 10 years, accompanied by the MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. In addition, expansion clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC will look to capitalize on five player acquisition mechanisms through December and January as they build competitive rosters for 2017.
After a three-month roster freeze, clubs will again be able to make changes to their rosters the day after MLS Cup, Dec. 11, in preparation for the 2017 season. Following a Half-day Trade Window on Dec. 11 from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. CT, a player-trade blackout period will commence until the conclusion of the Expansion Draft, which is set for 1 p.m. CT on Dec. 13. Trades not involving players (General/Targeted Allocation Money, draft picks, international rosters slots, etc.) are permitted at any time.
The Expansion Draft, will provide an opportunity for expansion clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC to add up to five players each to their inaugural rosters. Following the Expansion Priority Draft, held on Oct. 16, Atlanta United will have the first selection in the Expansion Draft. The list of current players available for selection in the Expansion Draft will be released on Dec. 12.
CLICK HERE for the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft guidelines
After the conclusion of the Expansion Draft on Dec. 13, players eligible for Free Agency may engage in negotiations with all MLS clubs, not just their previous team.
MLS clubs will also bolster their rosters with players selected in both the Waiver Draft, set for Dec. 15, and the Re-Entry Process, set for Dec. 16 (Stage One) and Dec. 22 (Stage Two).
CLICK HERE for the 2016 Waiver and Re-Entry Draft guidelines
The new year will kick off with the adidas MLS Player Combine, which returns to Los Angeles for the first time since 2006. The Combine will be held from Jan. 7-12, 2017 at the StubHub Center, allowing clubs the chance to scout top collegiate, youth, and international invitees ahead of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. The SuperDraft will be held on Friday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. CT at the LA Convention Center. More information on the Combine and SuperDraft will be released at a later date.
MLS 2016-17 Offseason Calendar
<strong>DATE</strong> |
<strong>DETAILS</strong> |
Sunday, Dec. 11 |
Half-day trade window from 8-11 a.m. CT<br><br>
No trades involving players will be permitted after 11 a.m. CT up until the conclusion of the Expansion Draft |
Monday, Dec. 12 |
Expansion Draft Protected Player List and eligible Free Agents made public |
Tuesday, Dec. 13 |
Expansion Draft held at 1 p.m. CT<br><br>
Beginning at 4 p.m. CT, Free Agents may engage in negotiations with all MLS clubs |
Wednesday, Dec. 14 |
List of players eligible for selection in Waiver Draft made public |
Thursday, Dec. 15 |
Waiver Draft held at 1 p.m. CT<br><br>
Beginning at 4 p.m. CT, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry eligible players (player-trade blackout window)<br><br>
List of players available in Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft made public |
Friday, Dec. 16 |
Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft held at 2 p.m. CT |
Wednesday, Dec. 21 |
Starting at 10 a.m. CT, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry eligible players (player-trade blackout window)<br><br>
List of available players in Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft made public |
Thursday, Dec. 22 |
Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft held at 2 p.m. CT |
Jan. 7-12, 2017 |
2017 adidas MLS Player Combine |
Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 |
2017 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas |
Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 |
2017 MLS preseason begins |
