MLS Free Agency: Rules & Procedure

MLS Free Agency: Rules & Procedure
Four days after the 2020 MLS Cup, teams can begin engaging with players via the league’s Free Agency process in preparation for the 2020 season. Eligible players are 
24 years of age
and older
 with 
five MLS service years
 and are out of contract or have had their option declined. This allows players the freedom to negotiate a new contract with any MLS club, including their previous team, subject to certain restrictions.
Key dates:
On 
Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. ET
, the list of all players who are eligible for Free Agency is distributed to all clubs.
MLS Communications will make available the complete list of Free Agents on 
Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. ET
.
On 
Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. ET
, clubs may engage players – other than their own – who are eligible for Free Agency.

• Option Exercise Deadlines on Nov. 30, 1 p.m. ET for non-postseason teams and Dec. 1-Dec. 13 for postseason teams one day after elimination: Clubs must notify the League Office in writing of (1) players whose options they are exercising and/or (2) players who are receiving bona fide offers, announced by the teams.
  

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.
Option Decline Players
 may re-sign with their current team 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 (Dec. 22 at 1pm ET).