Breaking down MLS’s offseason roster-building dates

After Inter Miami raised MLS Cup on Saturday, the 2025 offseason can begin in earnest.

Atlanta United, of course, will be tasked with the challenge of improving a roster that needs plenty of upgrading. We do know that Atlanta United might not be super active in the free agent market, at least not until they can free up some funds via trades and transfers, according to Chris Henderson.

But there are other roster-building mechanisms Atlanta can use outside of free agency. MLS, of course, isn’t known for the most straightforward procedures when it comes to roster construction. We can only hope that the coming years will see the league work to untangle that sticky web, but for now, here’s a look at the key offseason dates on the MLS calendar.

December 10: MLS free agency begins

This is pretty self-explanatory, as it’s the first day MLS clubs can begin signing eligible free agents. But what is an eligible free agent? Per the league, it’s “an out-of-contract and option-declined (player) who (is) at least 24 years old and who (has) completed a minimum of four service years.” This is actually a change from last year, when players at least 25 years old and with at least five years of service could qualify for free agency.

There are set to be some key names in the free agent market. Christian Benteke had his option declined by D.C. United as the club embarks on a full rebuild under new sporting boss Erkut Sogut and head coach Rene Weiler. Josef Martinez is in search of a new club after the San Jose Earthquakes didn’t pick up his option. Walker Zimmerman, one of the top center-backs in Major League Soccer, will attract plenty of interest after he opted to test the free agent market after six seasons. Pedro Gallese, after signing for Orlando City in 2020, will seek a new start elsewhere in MLS unless he opts for a move outside the league.

December 11 and 17: MLS Re-entry draft

What about players who aren’t eligible for free agency? It depends. If a player is out of contract, at least 22, has at least one MLS service year, and has not received a bona fide offer (defined by the league as a raise of either $15,000 or 10% more than his salary in the previous season), he will be in the re-entry draft. Each team will have the opportunity to either select a player from the pool or pass, with teams picking in reverse order of their finish in the previous season. (Atlanta United will select second.) If a player is selected, the team has a week to make an offer. If they can’t come to terms, the club still holds the right of first refusal for him. One note: A player can opt out of the re-entry draft, but he’ll have to notify his club in writing of his decision. The club will hold a right of first refusal for him; they can also opt to trade him, but will need his consent.

If a player isn’t selected in Round One on December 11, he’ll be made available in the second round of the re-entry draft six days later.

December 11: End-of-year waivers process

Out-of-contract players that aren’t eligible for free agency or the re-entry draft will go through the league’s waivers process. Teams will receive priority of selection based on their finish in the previous season.

December 18: MLS SuperDraft

Grey will give you a deep dive here leading up to the 18th, but Atlanta United will pick second in the MLS SuperDraft, their highest pick since taking Miles Robinson No. 2 overall in 2017. Draft-eligible players are those who are at least sophomores, are part of the league’s Generation adidas class announced before the draft, or players who left college to play domestically on the professional level who have eligibility remaining since the end of the 2024 season. Players who have been pre-signed by a club, whether a senior in college or an international player, will also be eligible if made available by MLS for drafting.