Key Dates: Philadelphia Union 2023-2024 Offseason

As the calendar turns to December 2023, the focus for Philadelphia Union fans and the team shifts towards the 2024 MLS season. The Union’s brief yet crucial offseason, leading up to the MLS 2024 campaign, promises strategic planning. As the team is expecting to undergo a massive overhaul, with several key departures.

Although the exact start date of the MLS season is pending, historical patterns suggest a late February kickoff. The league usually confirms opening weekend around the week of Christmas.

Before the MLS season starts, the Union will begin their 2024 campaign in the new Concacaf Champions Cup. The tournament, which replaces the Concacaf Champions League, begins in early February. This schedule implies a condensed offseason, adding urgency to the Philadelphia Union’s preseason preparations.

Below are key offseason dates for the Union, we will continue to update this post as more dates are announced by MLS.

Key Dates

Friday December 1st – Deadline for clubs to exercise contract options

According to www.transfermarkt.us, Leon Flach, Damion Lowe have a club option of 1 year with their contract expiring at the end of December.

Monday December 11th – Trade window opens

This is the first time in three months that clubs are allowed to adjust their rosters with players from other MLS teams. The window opens at 9 a.m. ET.

Tuesday December 12th – End of year waivers start

Teams can start selecting players off the league’s wavier list. This happens in reverse order of the 2023 season finish; this also includes how teams finished in the postseason.

Wednesday December 13th – Free Agency opens

Clubs can now start to have conversations with players that are outside of their organization and are without a contract. Players are eligible for free agency if they meet the following criteria.

– They are out of contract, or they had their option declined

– Must be at least 24 years old

– Minimum of 5 years of service

On December 13 we'll know the full bracket of the 2024 #Concachampions!

All the details about the Champions Cup Draw here https://t.co/mJKst7Pv1I 🔗 pic.twitter.com/iUA6tTrpgh

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) October 24, 2023

Wednesday December 13th – Concacaf Champions Cup Draw

The boys in blue will find out who they will play in the revamped Champions Cup, fka Champions League, tournament.

Thursday December 14th – Re-entry process, stage 1; 1 p.m. ET

Clubs have the chance to select the contract services of a player who is out of contract and not eligible for Free Agency. Players qualify for this process if they are at least 22 years of age and have a minimum of 1 year of service.

Tuesday December 19th – MLS SuperDraft

Wednesday, December 20th – MLS Schedule Release

The league will release the entire 2024 season schedule on this day.

Thursday December 21st – Re-entry process stage 2

January 2024 – Preseason Workouts

February 6th – Round One of the Concacaf Champions Cup

The rebranded tournament kicks off with round one. The regional tournament will now feature 27 teams. The Union qualified for the tournament from their Third-Place finish during this year’s Leagues Cup.