MLS to relax roster rules in wake of Messi arrival - sources - ESPN

The MLS board of governors approved changes to the league's roster rules Tuesday, designed to allow teams more flexibility in how rosters are constructed, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Among the changes approved, which were first reported by The Athletic, are the relaxing of restrictions on the combined number of designated players and under-22 initiative signings. Other changes include doubling in the number of contract buyouts allowed per season, as well as increasing the amount of general allocation money (GAM) teams receive when players are transferred out of the league.

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Another change that had been discussed, a so-called legends rule that would have allowed teams flexibility in retaining long-time veterans, was not included in the final package of roster rule modifications. A source with knowledge of the proposed rule told ESPN that continued discussions will take place within the MLS sporting and competition group.

With the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico and Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami ending at the end of 2025, MLS has been facing increasing calls to open its collective checkbook in a bid to increase the level of play on the field and capitalize on the greater attention on the league.

The coming months will reveal just how effective these changes will be.

The modifications, which must be approved by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA), are set to go into effect when the summer transfer window opens on July 18. Neither MLS nor the MLSPA immediately responded to a request for comment.

Of the three major changes, the modification involving the number of designated players (DPs) and high-potential young players (U22