Three days after 2026 MLS Cup presented by Audi, teams can begin engaging with players via the league’s Free Agency process in preparation for the 2026 season. Eligible players will be at least twenty-four (24) years old in the year in which the immediately preceding League Season concluded and have at least four (4) MLS Service Years. This allows players the freedom to negotiate a new contract with any MLS club, including their previous team, subject to certain restrictions.
Key dates:
- Nov. 25:Â Option Exercise Deadlines. MLS clubs not competing in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs must submit to the MLS League Office which players will have their options exercised and which players will not have their options exercised. Clubs in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are required to submit all Bona Fide offers on the day after their final match of the postseason.
- Dec. 21:Â MLS Communications will make available the complete list of free agents on Monday, Dec. 21.
- Dec. 22: On Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. ET, clubs may engage players – other than their own – who are eligible for Free Agency.
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.
- Free agent players may re-sign with their current club 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 (Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. ET).
