MLS publishes general allocation money figures; Union has $4.2 million

In addition to the salary budget and the six prime roster spots that feature unlimited spending on up to three designated players and up to four U22 Initiative Spots, general allocation money can be used to sign or retain top talent. The Union currently has two designated players – Daniel Gazdag and Mikael Uhre – and one player – Quinn Sullivan – who meets the U22 initative guidelines.

They received GAM recently – up to $600,000 total in a trade with Colorado for the next eight draft picks over three years, for failing to make the MLS Playoffs ($200-$250,000) and may or may not have received some money once their young DP (Julian Carranza) left and for transfer revenue from the sale of Carranza and Jose Martinez. Transparency does have its limits, after all.

From the MLS press release:

“In addition to an annual allotment of $2.93 million GAM provided to each team in 2025*, clubs can acquire GAM in the following ways:

• ✅  Up to $3 million from eligible transfer revenue converted to GAM (LINK)
• ✅  Via trade with another MLS club.
• Qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup.
• ✅ Failing to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
• ? The 2024 third Designated Player charge distribution.
• Having a player selected in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft.

*As an expansion club, San Diego FC receives an additional $2,765,000 in 2025 GAM.

Clubs can also receive up to an additional $2 million in 2025 GAM along with a fourth U22 Initiative Roster Spot if they select the U22 Initiative Roster Construction Path. Roster Construction Path decisions must be submitted to MLS prior to the 2025 Roster Compliance Date and only after that date will a club receive the additional 2025 GAM.”