MLS lifts limit on intraleague cash transfers

Major League Soccer has announced a change in their intraleague cash transfer system that is likely to be of particular interest to the Philadelphia Union.

Enacted in early 2025, the cash transfer system was initially limited to two incoming and two outgoing transfers per year but the league is taking off the training wheels off the program in year two.

The Philadelphia Union wasted little time in 2025 using both of their allotted outgoing cash transfers, transferring Jack McGlynn to Houston Dynamo for $2.1 million (with additional incentives up to $1.3 million) and Daniel Gazdag to Columbus Crew for $4 million (with an additional $500k in add-on incentives).

They have since transferred David Vazquez to San Diego FC (up to $500,000) and Tai Baribo to D.C. United (up to $.6 million).

Amendments to Roster Rules:

• Elimination of limitations on the number of Cash for Player Trades a club can make each season.
• Elimination of age restrictions and limitations on the number of Intraleague Loans a club can make each season.
• Removed the deadline for a player to be considered a domestic player for a season instead of an international player.
• Clubs may agree that an International Roster Slot traded within or prior to the Primary Transfer Window will return to the original club on a specific date within the Secondary Transfer Window. These agreements must be definitive.
• Designated Players acquired via Cash for Player Trades in the Secondary Transfer Window may be added at the mid-season Designated Player Salary Budget Charge.
• Players who have appeared on a gameday roster are eligible to be placed in Supplemental Slot 31 as long as they meet the other Slot 31 requirements.

The league also announced changes to the primary and secondary transfer windows.

The primary window will open on January 26 and close on March 26, while the secondary window will open on July 13 and close on September 2.

With the secondary window extending into the month of September for the first time in two decades (excluding the COVID-adjusted 2020 season), the conclusion of the MLS window will align with top leagues from around the world, giving MLS teams a greater opportunity to acquire high-quality international talent in their run to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

In addition, FIFA approved a request to allow MLS’ three Canadian clubs – CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC – to adhere to the registration periods established by U.S. Soccer rather than Canada Soccer.