KC Reporter

Major League Soccer (MLS) has released the schedule for its 2025-26 offseason roster-building events. The calendar includes key dates for free agency, player drafts, and scouting opportunities.

The process begins on Wednesday, November 26 at noon Central Time, when clubs must submit written decisions to the MLS League Office about which players will have their contract options exercised or declined and which players will receive Bona Fide Offers.

From December 10 to December 13, the sixth edition of the MLS College Showcase will take place in Mesa, Arizona. This closed-door event allows technical staff from all MLS clubs to evaluate top collegiate prospects, including those who still have NCAA eligibility.

Free agency opens on Wednesday, December 10 at noon Central Time. At this time, clubs may begin negotiations with eligible players who are out of contract or whose options were declined. To qualify for free agency, a player must be at least 24 years old and have completed a minimum of four years of service in the league.

On Thursday, December 11 at noon Central Time, Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process will occur. This process is conducted in reverse order based on the previous season’s finish and postseason performance. Eligible players include those aged at least 22 with one year of service who do not meet free agency criteria. Out-of-contract players who have received a Bona Fide Offer from their current club are not eligible for this draft.

Also on December 11 at 4 p.m. Central Time, the End-of-Year Waivers period closes. This process also follows reverse order standings and is open to players who do not qualify for either Free Agency or the Re-Entry Process.

Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 at 4 p.m. Central Time. It follows the same selection order as Stage 1 and involves players not picked in that round. Some unselected players may re-sign with their previous clubs or withdraw from consideration before Stage 2.

The roster-building period concludes with the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, December 18. The draft consists of three rounds and uses an order determined by reversing final club standings from the previous season while considering postseason results.

These offseason events give clubs multiple ways to shape their rosters ahead of the next season through contract decisions, talent scouting, player negotiations, and draft selections.