Austin FC Set to Participate in 2020 MLS Expansion Draft on December 15
November 12, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK - Major League Soccer today announced the calendar of offseason roster mechanisms - a schedule of roster-building events and deadlines ahead of the 2021 season. The calendar is highlighted by the 2020 Expansion Draft on Dec. 15 as Austin FC will have the opportunity to select up to five current players for their inaugural season in 2021.
In addition to the Expansion Draft, the calendar includes the Re-Entry Process, Free Agency as well as roster deadlines as MLS clubs prepare to make key roster decisions at the conclusion of their current campaigns.
As clubs begin to shape their 2021 rosters, the roster freeze will be lifted on Dec. 13, the day after MLS Cup, for a half-day trade window (9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET), followed by a blackout period before the 2020 MLS Expansion Draft on Dec. 15.
Details and dates for each of the offseason roster mechanisms follows below. Nov. 30
1 p.m. ET
Club deadline to submit Bona Fide Offers and Exercise Options
MLS clubs not competing in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs (including clubs that did not qualify and clubs eliminated during the Play-In Round or Round One) must notify the League Office in writing of bona fide offers and exercised options.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
Dec. 1-13
1 p.m. ET
Club deadline to submit Bona Fide Offers and Exercise Options
For any clubs competing in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, one day after elimination, the club must notify the League Office of bona fide offers and exercised options.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
Dec. 13
9 a.m. ET
Half-Day Trade Window Opens
Following a 45-day roster freeze, MLS clubs may trade players.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs.
1 p.m. ET
Half-Day Trade Window Closes and Blackout Period Begins
Blackout Period begins whereby clubs may no longer sign and/or trade players until conclusion of 2020 Expansion Draft.
Dec. 15
TBC
2020 MLS Expansion Draft
Austin FC may select up to five players from the eligible player list.
The list of players eligible for selection in the 2020 MLS Expansion Draft will be released by MLS Communications on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. ET.
Dec. 16
1 p.m. ET
End-of-Year Waivers
The End-of-Year Waivers process is conducted in reverse order of 2020 season finish, taking into account postseason performance. Expansion club Austin FC will have the 27th pick in each round.
Eligible for selection are players who do not meet the minimum requirements for Re-Entry Process or Free Agency.
The list of players eligible for the End-of-Year Waivers will be released by MLS Communications on Dec. 14.
1 p.m. ET
Free Agency Opens
Clubs may engage with players, other than their own, that are eligible for Free Agency.
Free Agency eligible players are out-of-contract and option-declined players who are at least 24 years old and who have completed a minimum of five service years.
MLS Communications will make the complete list of Free Agents available on Dec. 14.
Dec. 17
TBC
Re-Entry Process, Stage 1
The Re-Entry Process (Stage 1 and Stage 2) is conducted in reverse order of 2020 season finish, taking into account postseason performance. Expansion club Austin FC will have the 27th pick in each round.
Eligible Players include those who are at least 22 years old, have a minimum of one service year, and their contract options were not exercised by their clubs or they did not receive a bona fide offer.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process - Stage 1 will be released by MLS Communications on Dec. 14.
Dec. 22
1 p.m. ET
Re-Entry Process, Stage 2
The Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 is conducted in the same order as Stage 1 and consists of MLS players who were not selected in the Stage 1.
Not all unselected Stage 1 players will be available for selection as players may re-sign with their previous club between stages or may opt out of the process.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process - Stage 2 will be released by MLS Communications on Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. ET.
Major League Soccer Stories from November 12, 2020
- Orlando City Playoff Update: First Round in the East - Orlando City SC
- Philadelphia Union Sign Academy Products Brandan Craig and Quinn Sullivan to Homegrown Player Contracts - Philadelphia Union
- Chicago Fire FC Homegrown Goalkeeper Chris Brady Named USL League One Young Player of the Year - Chicago Fire FC
- Jorge Mas Reflects on Inaugural Season Ahead of MLS Playoffs - Inter Miami CF
- LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman Nominated as Finalist for Best Executive at World Football Summit Awards - Los Angeles FC
- 2021 Topgolf Live Stadium Tour Coming to Earthquakes Stadium - San Jose Earthquakes
- Topgolf Live Stadium Tour Comes to Providence Park in Fall of 2021 - Portland Timbers
- Austin FC Set to Participate in 2020 MLS Expansion Draft on December 15 - MLS
- Chicago Fire FC Exercise 2021 Contract Options on Four Players - Chicago Fire FC
- New England Revolution Announce 2020 Team Awards - New England Revolution
- Nashville SC Restricted in Tickets Available for First Ever Playoff Match Due to Scheduling Conflict - Nashville SC
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