Major League Soccer announced its complete calendar of offseason roster-building events, highlighted by the 2027 MLS SuperDraft on Monday, December 21, and the opening of Free Agency on Tuesday, December 22, according to mlssoccer.com.
Clubs Face November Deadlines for Options and Offers
- Clubs not in the playoffs face a November 25 deadline to exercise options and submit bona fide offers.
- The MLS College Showcase runs from December 15-18 in Los Angeles ahead of the December 21 SuperDraft.
- Free Agency officially opens on December 22, with the complete player list dropping the day prior.
Teams Must Notify the League Regarding Player Options
The offseason calendar kicks off on Wednesday, November 25, at 1 p.m. ET, which mlssoccer.com reported as the club deadline to exercise options and issue bona fide offers. Teams not competing in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs must notify the league office in writing regarding which player options they will exercise or decline.
Meanwhile, clubs still alive in the postseason must submit their bona fide offers and roster decisions no later than the day after their final postseason match. Individual clubs are responsible for publicizing their own roster choices following these submissions.
Scouting Talent in Los Angeles
Before the draft order is decided, technical staffs will meet in Southern California for scouting. mlssoccer.com reported that the seventh annual MLS College Showcase will take place from December 15-18 in Los Angeles. This closed-door gathering gives club executives and scouts a direct look at the nation’s top collegiate prospects.
The SuperDraft Occurs Before Free Agency Opens
The 2027 MLS SuperDraft is scheduled for Monday, December 21, at 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT, per sportingkc.com). The three-round selection order is determined by taking the reverse order of regular-season club standings while factoring in postseason performance.
Free Agency opens the following day on Tuesday, December 22, at 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. Eligible players include out-of-contract and option-declined athletes who are at least 24 years old and have completed a minimum of four service years. MLS Communications will release the complete list of available free agents on Monday, December 21.
Re-Entry Process and Waivers Occur on December 23
December 23 brings a double-header of roster mechanisms at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. CT, per sportingkc.com). Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process and the close of End-of-Year Waivers both occur on this date. Eligible players for the Re-Entry Process must be at least 22 years old with a minimum of one service year and not qualify for free agency.
An out-of-contract player who receives a bona fide offer from his current club remains ineligible for the Re-Entry Draft. The MLS Cup champions receive the 30th pick. Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process is set for Wednesday, December 30, at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. The Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 consists of MLS players who were not selected in Stage 1 and have not re-signed with their previous club or opted out.
