The WNBA and the league’s Players’ Association officially agreed to a 40-day extension of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on Sunday night, pushing back the expiration to Jan. 9, 2026, from the previously agreed Nov. 30, 2025.

The salary system in the next CBA has remained a key obstacle to agreement between the two sides. The league's most recently reported proposal would raise the individual salary maximum to more than $1.2 million per season and include a form of revenue sharing. The maximum salary in that proposal would be a guaranteed base salary of around $1 million, combined with a revenue-sharing component to bring total compensation over $1.2 million. An average salary in 2026 under this proposal is projected to be over $500,000, with the minimum salary projected to be over $225,000. Salary cap would increase to $5 million in year one and be tied directly to revenue growth in each year of the CBA.

As we broke down previously, the players are seeking a system akin to the NBA and other major leagues, where there is not a fixed base salary component and player salaries are linked to a percentage of the revenue generated by the league. The league’s latest proposal is much closer to what the players have been asking for, but we have yet to hear the PA’s response to the proposal or specific enough details to fully evaluate it.

Other topics being discussed include: formalizing the league-wide charter program, improving family planning benefits and health insurance, and formalizing benefits for retiring and retired players. Read our previous story for more on what these look like in the expiring CBA, what players and the league are asking for, and how these work in other major professional leagues.

The core roster designation and prioritization are also reportedly expected to be discussed. Prioritization remains important to league management, but the league has not submitted more drastic proposals that explicitly say WNBA players must compete exclusively in the WNBA and no other offseason leagues.

“We expect substantive movement from the league within this (six-week) window,” the WNBPA said in a statement to The Athletic.

This extension essentially guarantees that the timing of certain key league offseason events will be different from last year, first and foremost, the expansion draft. The Golden State Valkyries conducted their expansion draft on Dec. 6, 2024, but no date is currently set for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire to do the same, as expansion draft rules are dictated by the CBA.

For the second consecutive season, the San Jose Earthquakes missed the playoffs.

This squad had some improvement in comparison to their 2024 campaign where they moved from their 6-3-25 (14th in East) wooden spoon finish to their 2025 campaign where they finished 11-8-15 (10th in East), however, it simply was just barely not enough to make the playoffs.

The team missed the MLS Cup Playoffs & were eliminated in the Quarterfinals 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

New England scored 19 more goals in comparison to 2024 & allowed 15 more goals than in 2024. The team scored more goals but also allowed more, falling just short of the playoffs by 1-point.

With the club hiring Bruce Arena, the winningest head coach in MLS history, the expectation was that San Jose would make the playoffs in the Western Conference and essentially “run the table”

The biggest questions for San Jose entering the 2026 season are: What changes does Bruce Arena need to make to this squad? What are their positional needs entering the offseason? Will they retain Chicho Arango? How will they replace Cristian Espinoza?

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Bruce Arena came in and brought his guys. He completed multiple trades with his former team, the New England Revolution, where he managed to bring in Ian Harkes, Dave Romney, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Noel Buck, Earl Edwards Jr. & sign free agent Nick Lima. He also completed a trade with Columbus Crew to acquire DeJuan Jones (another former New England Revolution player). He signed Josef Martinez in free agency & acquired Cristian “Chicho” Arango in a trade with RSL. 

In short; Bruce Arena attracts stars. This club will be fine and did “okay” under Bruce in his first season as head coach.

In regards to on the field productivity, Josef Martinez, Cristian Espinoza & Chicho Arango led the way in contributions. Chicho Arango had 20 goal contributions (13 goals & 7 assists) while Josef Martinez (14 goals & 2 assists) & Cristian Espinoza (4 goals & 12 assists) both had 16 goal contributions respectively.

The Negatives

This team missed the playoffs…. It wasn’t going to be easy for Bruce Arena to assemble his avenger New England Revolution players on a different roster & let it stick, however, the squad missed the playoffs by merely 1-point.

This team struggled to defend. They allowed 63 goals, the second most in the Western Conference this season. They need to strengthen up at the back if they want to contend for trophies.

The biggest concern entering this offseason is the fact that Josef Martinez (contract option declined) & Cristian Espinoza (out of contract) will both NOT return to the club. Additionally, Cristian “Chicho” Arango is attracting bids from Pumas. Additionally, Hernan Lopez spent the season on loan and has a purchase option attached to said loan. The San Jose Earthquakes could be entering the 2026 season with potentially ZERO Designated Players & ONE U22 Player. Bruce really needs to get this offseason right in-order for this team to be successful in 2026.

San Jose managed to make the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals this season. Their road to the Quarterfinals was victories over Sacramento Republic FC (2-1) & Portland Timbers (1-0). As mentioned before, their run came to an end in the Quarterfinals when they fell 2-2 (4-2 in penalties) to Austin FC.

Roster Flexibility

San Jose enters this offseason with a good amount of flexibility. At the moment, the club has two designated players (Cristian “Chicho” Arango & Hernan Lopez) and has 1 rostered U-22 initiative signing (Noel Buck). 

This club will enter the offseason with the option to choose whether they want to enter the 3DP, 3U22 or 2DP, 4U22 model. San Jose currently has $1,448,024 in GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their year-end roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions.

San Jose is entering the 2026 season with 27 total players rostered.

Offseason Priorities

Find offensive options to replace Josef Martinez (TAM) & Cristian Espinoza (Designated Player). Losing two key forwards in one offseason is massively detrimental towards the team’s success.

Determine what is going to happen with Chicho Arango & Hernan Lopez. With a $3,000,000 bid from Pumas already being rejected this offseason for Chicho Arango, the Earthquakes might be without Chicho before the start of next season. Additionally, Lopez was loaned to Argentinos Juniors and a purchase option is attached to that loan. The club may have none of their Designated Players from last season.

Sign defenders to strengthen their backline. The club declined the options of THREE depth defenders. Most notably rightback Rodrigues & centerback Bruno Wilson (who was signed in February of 2025). They definitely need to improve there.

Sign midfielders to strengthen their midfield. The club declined Mark-Anthony Kaye’s option so they’ll need to acquire a depth piece to replace him in his depth role.

The 2024 MLS Cup finalists unfortunately missed the playoffs in 2025 enroute to an extremely disappointing season.

This club declined in comparison to their 2024 campaign where they moved from their 11-14-9 (7th in East) finish to their 2025 campaign, where they finished 12-7-15 (10th in East).

The team missed the MLS Cup Playoffs, got eliminated in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, & failed to exit the group stage in Leagues Cup.

The Red Bulls scored 7 less goals in comparison to 2024 & allowed 3 less goals than in 2024. The team did improve defensively however, it wasn’t good enough to get RBNY back into the playoffs.

With the club parting ways with head coach Sandro Schwarz, they will now look to make improvements to not only their staff but more importantly their roster to get them back into title contention.

The biggest questions for the Red Bulls entering the 2026 season is: Who comes in to take over a squad that is essentially already full? What changes are needed to make this squad competitive? How closely is RBNY tied to the cap? What are their positional needs entering the offseason?

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

The team parted ways with Sandro Schwarz & made a variety of changes in regard to their club leadership positions. The decisions came just 10 days after their season concluded. Schwarz departs RBNY with a 31W-29L-21D record across all competitions. RBNY can now look for a new successor to lead the squad.

On the field this season, RBNY’s Designated Players essentially carried this team's offense. 

Forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting had 22 goal contributions (17 goals & 5 assists) while midfielder Emil Forsberg also tallied 22 goal contributions (11 goals & 11 assists). The DP duo was massively impactful in RBNY’s attacking sector and ran the offense overall.

The Negatives

U22 initiative players Wiktor Bogacz & Dennis Gjengaar struggled. Both of the forwards combined for just 5 goal contributions (3 goals & 2 assists). For context: U22 initiative defender Noah Eile had 2 goal contributions of his own (1 goal & 1 assist). The club needs more out of their U22 initiatives.

This team missed the playoffs. It’s just that simple. RBNY, a team that fell in the MLS Cup Finals last season was expected to make the playoffs and they just failed to do so.

RBNY was another team that failed to make it out of the group stage in the Leagues Cup this season. The club had 2 wins & 1 loss in the Leagues Cup. They had a 1-0 victory over Guadalajara, they fell 1-1 (5-3 in penalties) to Monterrey, & were victorious 1-1 (5-3 in penalties) over Juarez. 

Also, the New York Red Bulls managed to make the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals this season. Their road to the Quarterfinals was victories over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (4-1) & FC Dallas (2-2, 4-3 in penalties). As mentioned before, their run came to an end in the Quarterfinals when they fell 3-2 to Philadelphia Union.

Roster Flexibility

New York enters this offseason with a good amount of flexibility. At the moment, the club has two designated players (Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting & Emil Forsberg ) and 3 rostered U-22 initiative signings (Wiktor Bogacz, Noah Eile, & Dennis Gjengaar). 

This club will enter the offseason with the choice on whether it wants to enter the 3DP, 3U22 or 2DP, 4U22 model. The New York Red Bulls have $159,900 in GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their year-end roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions.

New York is entering the 2026 season with 28 total players rostered.

Offseason Priorities

Hire a new head coach that is willing to take on a project and can look to re-structure this team back into being a threat in the Eastern Conference.

How can this club be built around Choupo-Moting & Forsberg? They need more goal scorers & need more offensive output.

Sign midfielder & defensive depth

Determine whether they are comfortable with John McCarthy as their starting goalkeeper after the departure of long-time goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.

At the beginning of the season, if you had told me that the Philadelphia Union would be in the conversation for the Supporters’ Shield, I would’ve told you that you were crazy, however, they impressed us all and actually went out to win their second ever trophy! (Won Supporters’ Shield back in 2020).

This season, the squad finished 1st in the Eastern Conference (1st across the entire league) & fell in the Conference Semifinals of MLS Cup Playoffs after a 1-0 defeat versus New York City FC.

Taking a glance at the overall season, the Union went 12-1-4 at home & 8-7-2 on the road. They scored 5 less goals and allowed 20 goals less in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, Philadelphia will have some roster flexibility.

The biggest questions for this group are: Does Bedoya make a return in another player-coach role? Will they make any major tweaks to their roster? Who do they really lose this offseason?

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Winning the Supporters’ Shield is the biggest accomplishment of the 2025 season. A second trophy in club history is definitely the best thing to celebrate for the Union this season.

Bradley Carnell did a fantastic job commanding this Philadelphia Union team. In his first season, he proved that the Union were still one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and that the fluke that was the 2024 season was nothing to be worried about. It wasn’t shocking to see Carnell named the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year after bringing the Union back to the playoffs as the #1 seed in his first season with the club.

Tai Baribo was on fire this season. The 27-year-old forward who is only on a guaranteed salary of $810,000 had 19 goal contributions (16 goals & 3 assists) in 29 games this season. Connecting him with 23-year-old forward Bruno Damiani (9 goal contributions - 7 goals & 2 assists) was a massive reason for Philadelphia’s success this season.

Also, the Philadelphia Union managed to make the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals this season. Their road to the semifinals was victories over Indy Eleven (1-1, 5-4 in penalties), Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-1), & New York Red Bulls (3-2). As mentioned before, their run came to an end in the Semifinals when they fell 3-1 to the eventual champions, Nashville SC.

The Negatives

Getting eliminated at home versus New York City FC stings. The club had 1 win (at home) and 1 loss (on the road) versus New York City FC this season (both ended in 1-0 results). Just an unfortunate end to a very successful season.

At the current moment, the club is losing 31-year-old Designated Player forward Mikael Uhre. The forward, who is out of contract, has been with the Union since 2022 and would be a massive loss in their attack. It would be crucial for the club to make an adjustment at that position IF they fail to retain him in free agency.

Roster Flexibility

The Philadelphia Union has a good amount of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has one designated player (Bruno Damiani) and two U-22 initiative signings (Olwethu Makhanya & Quinn Sullivan).

This club has the choice of entering the 3DP & 3U22 or the 2DP and 4 U-22s model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $1,100,612 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 24 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

Determine which roster model that the club wants to stay in and then go out and sign either a second or potentially third DP or a third & fourth U22 initiative player.

Determine whether or not Designated Player Mikael Uhre is returning to the club. (Philadelphia is currently undergoing negotiations over a potential return with the forward.)

Acquire further midfield depth. More specifically, a DP or U22 player in the center of the pitch.

Minnesota United qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the second season in a row and are clearly in a win-now mode.

This season, the squad finished 4th in the Western Conference & fell in the Conference Semifinals of MLS Cup Playoffs after falling 1-0 to San Diego FC.

Taking a glance at the overall season, Minnesota United went 8-5-4 at home & 8-3-6 on the road. They scored 2 less goals and allowed 10 goals more in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, Minnesota United will have the most amount of roster flexibility across the entire league.

Where will they make adjustments? Will they re-sign Dayne St. Clair? How/When does Eric Ramsay pull the trigger on making a DP forward signing? Who will replace Oluwaseyi’s goal contributions?

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Making the playoffs for the second year in a row since hiring Eric Ramsay needs to be credited and applauded. Ramsay took over after Adrian Heath’s departure in 2023 and he has done an excellent job at the helm.

Additionally, crawling back to the MLS Cup Playoff Conference Semifinals has to be a massive positive. For the second consecutive year, the club made its way back & I think with a positive offseason, will finally get past the Conference Semifinals in the next season.

Taking a look at this season, Minnesota had FIVE different players with 5+ goals this season as Oluwaseyi, Markanich, Yeboah, Pereyra, & Lod led the squad in scoring. 

The club needs to find a forward to come in and tally goals as the club has already lost Tani Oluwaseyi (transferred to Villarreal) & Robin Lod (club option declined). The club has the GAM to do it. So, instinctively, GO DO IT!

Minnesota United managed to make the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals after defeating Louisville City FC (1-0), St. Louis City SC (3-2), & Chicago Fire FC (3-1). Their run came to an end in the Semifinals when they fell 2-1 to Austin FC.

The Negatives

Losing forward Tani Oluwaseyi, who led the team with 18 goal contributions (10 goals & 8 assists) due to a permanent transfer to Villarreal CF is going to hurt this team. They need to acquire a forward that is going to come in and replace his goal contributions in order for the club to be successful in the coming years.

At the moment, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is out of contract. The club is currently undergoing negotiations to bring the 2024 MLS MVP goalkeeper back to the club. He would be a massive loss if the club fails to bring him back.

Minnesota United was another team that failed to make it out of the groups stage in the Leagues Cup this season. The club had 1 win & 2 losses in Leagues Cup after winning 4-1 over Queretaro, losing 3-3 (8-7 in penalties) to Club America, & losing 2-0 to San Luis.

Roster Flexibility

Minnesota United FC will have the most amount of roster flexibility across the entire league. At the moment, the club has two designated players (Joaquin Pereyra & Kelvin Yeboah) and three U-22 initiative signings Owen Gene, Nicolas Romero, & Nectarios Triantis).

The club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $4,947,077 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 27 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

THIS CLUB HAS THE MOST AMOUNT OF GAM ACROSS THE ENTIRE LEAGUE. USE IT! YOU’RE IN WIN-NOW MODE.

Sign a third Designated Player or a fourth U22 initiative player. 

The club needs to go out and sign a handful of goalscorers. Target a DP or U22 forward to build around Pereyra, Yeboah, & Triantis.

Re-sign Dayne St. Clair. If you lose the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, it’ll be very very very disappointing.

This team just keeps making the playoffs. For the seventh time in a row (they’ve actually never missed it) Los Angeles FC made the MLS Cup Playoffs & once again, in comfortable fashion!

This season, the squad finished 3rd in the Western Conference & fell in the Conference Semifinals of MLS Cup Playoffs after falling 2-2 (4-3 in penalties) to 10-men Vancouver WhiteCaps FC.

Taking a glance at the overall season, LAFC went 11-4-2 at home & 6-4-7 on the road. They scored 2 more goals and allowed 3 goals more in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, LAFC will have a great amount of roster flexibility. 

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

LAFC’s Designated Players were unstoppable this season & showcased further why good players cost money.

Denis Bouanga led the way with 33 goal contributions (24 goals & 9 assists) with Son Hueng-Min (acquired from Tottenham Hotspur in August for $26,500,000) attributing 12 goal contributions of his own (9 goals & 3 assists) in just 10 games. It was no shock to see Denis Bouanga named an MLS All-Star, but also to have his name in contention for 2025 MLS MVP all year long.

This LAFC side will be opening a U22 initiative slot (or a 3rd DP slot) after the departure of Andrew Moran, who will be returning to Brighton & Hove Albion (club is in negotiations over a potential return). However, the club has $2,000,000+ in GAM and has a lot of room to make improvements. 

This team was very successful both at home this season. Finishing 11W-4L-2D at home. They were T-3rd for the most home wins this season across the league and showcased how difficult it was to play in BMO Stadium.

LAFC was also a team that took part in THREE competitions this season (Concacaf Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, & Leagues Cup). 

Though they left un-happy, LAFC managed to make the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals where they fell over two legs to Inter Miami CF (3-2 on aggregate).

The Negatives

At the moment, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is out of contract. The club is currently undergoing negotiations to bring the former French national team goalkeeper back to the club. He would be a massive loss if the club fails to bring back Lloris.

Falling in a penalty shootout is the most brutal way for the season to end. LAFC were clear title favorites in the Western Conference & it seems that they won’t be shying away from the top-dog mentality.

LAFC failed to impress on the World Stage as the club failed to make it out of the group stage in the FIFA Club World Cup. The squad fell 2-0 to Chelsea FC, fell 1-0 to ES Tunis & drew 1-1 versus Flamengo.

LAFC was another team that failed to make it out of the groups stage in the Leagues Cup this season. The club had 2 wins & 1 loss in Leagues Cup after losing 1-1 (11-10 in penalties) versus Mazatlan, winning 1-1 (4-2 in penalties) over Pachuca & winning 2-1 over Tigres.

Roster Flexibility

Los Angeles FC will have a massive amount of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has two designated players (Denis Bouanga & Son Hueng-Min) and three U-22 initiative signings (Igor Jesus, David Martinez & Artem Smolyakov).

The club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $2,000,577 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 21 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

Attempt to re-sign Hugo Lloris. If the squad fails, they will have to target a new goalkeeper for the 2026 season.

Determine whether or not you are retaining Andy Moran. The club is currently in negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion over a potential permanent stay, however, he will return to the parent club on Dec. 31, 2025.

Use your GAM! The club has $2,000,577  (as of Sept. 18, 2025). Improve your roster!

Ideally, LAFC will be looking primarily for depth pieces for their 2026 roster. Look to find a gem or a diamond in the rough to make the next jump.

They’re back! After missing the playoffs in 2024, FC Dallas returned to the MLS Cup Playoffs. 

For many, a positive season for the FC Dallas would’ve been making the playoffs again & progressing further than they had done in 2023 (were eliminated in the 2023 wild card versus Seattle Sounders as the 7th seed). Unfortunately, Dallas suffered a similar fate. The squad once again finished as the 7th seed and was unfortunately eliminated in the first round after their best of 3 series with Vancouver WhiteCaps FC after just two matches.

Taking a glance at the overall season, FC Dallas were much better last year. 

The team scored 2 less goals in comparison to 2024 & allowed 1 less goals than in 2024. Overall, the squad standings wise was better, was just barely worse offensively, & were just barely better defensively.

With their roster decisions published, Dallas will have a lot of roster flexibility.

 In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Dallas were honestly consistent in comparison to the 2024 season. The squad in 2024 scored 54 & allowed 56, whilst in 2025, the squad scored 52 & allowed 55. That’s pretty consistent.

Four different players (Musa, Julio, Acosta & Farrington) all scored 5+ goals this season. A total of 15 different goalscorers allotted for the squads 52 goals 

It was very positive to see Petar Musa remain as consistent as he did in 2024. The DP forward has 25 goal contributions in 2025 (18 goals & 6 assists), which was 5 more than last season (16 goals & 3 assists). 

The Negatives

Losing Lucho Acosta didn’t help this team. Lucho had 6 goal contributions (5 goals & 1 assist) when he forced his move to Fluminense. It will be imperative that FC Dallas look to replace the former MLS MVP as soon as possible.

Dallas is another MLS team that ultimately fell in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they fell 2-2 (4-3 in penalties) to the New York Red Bulls.

Losing out in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, though it was an improvement from last season, nevertheless, going out in the first round is disappointing. The squad battled to the end in their best-of-three series with Vancouver WhiteCaps FC, but were ultimately eliminated in the worst way, penalties. 

Roster Flexibility

FC Dallas will have a good amount of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has one designated player (Petar Musa) and four U-22 initiative signings (Patrickson Delgado, Gevoane de Jesus, Kaick, & Enes Sali).

This club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model, which includes up to $2 million in GAM. Additionally, the club has $1,140,345 in GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 27 players rostered as of November 14th.

Offseason Priorities

Sign a second offensive Designated Player. You have Petar Musa! You must continue to build around him!

Find a replacement for Lucho Acosta. You need a midfielder to come in and the void left by him. You’re also losing Sebastian Lletget & 5 other midfielders. You need midfield depth.

Dallas also cut-ties with SIX forwards. They need to get a forward to help score goals!

Determine what you’re going to do with Enes Sali. He’s currently occupying a U22 initiative slot. Yes, he is 19-years-old, however, if you’re just going to keep sending him on loan, then maybe they should look at better alternatives for their roster right now.

For the fourth consecutive season, FC Cincinnati made the MLS Cup Playoffs & in comfortable fashion!

This season, the squad finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference & fell in the Conference Semifinals of MLS Cup Playoffs after taking a 4-0 thrashing from Lionel Messi & Inter Miami CF.

Taking a glance at the overall season, Cincinnati went 9-5-3 at home & 11-4-2 on the road. They scored 6 less goals and allowed 8 goals more in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, FC Cincinnati will have very little roster flexibility. It will be very difficult for the team to make many changes to their roster for the upcoming season. 

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

FC Cincinnati’s Designated Players were unstoppable this season.

Evander led the way with 33 goal contributions (18 goals & 15 assists) with Kevin Denkey attributing 17 goal contributions of his own (15 goals & 2 assists). The success rate of the duo led to Evander being in MLS MVP conversations all season long.

It’ll be important to add around Evander & Denkey so that more of the workload can be distributed in the upcoming season. The club is opening a U22 initiative slot (or a 3rd DP slot) after the departure of Dominik Marczuk, who will be returning to Real Salt Lake. 

This team was very successful both at home & on the road this season. Finishing 9W-5L-3D at home & 11W-4L-2D made it clearly obvious that this team would be contending for the Supporters’ Shield all season long.

The Negatives

Cincinnati had only 11 different goalscorers this season. To be honest, that’s quite low for a team that finished 2nd in the East.

The club unfortunately never woke-up to face Lionel Messi & Inter Miami in the MLS Conference Semifinals. The team was dominated on every single inch of the pitch and the team looked like a shadow of themselves.

Cincinnati was another team that failed to make it out of the groups stage in the Leagues Cup this season. The club had 1 win & 2 losses in Leagues Cup after winning 3-2 over Monterrey, falling 2-2 (4-3 in penalties) to Juarez, & falling 2-1 versus Guadalajara.

Roster Flexibility

FC Cincinnati has very little roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has two designated players (Miles Robinson, Kevin Denkey & Evander) and three U-22 initiative signings (Samuel Gidi, Gilberto Flores, & Ender Echenique).

This club is entering the 3DP & 3U22 model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $0 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 22 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

Sign another goal scorer. If Evander or Denkey fail to produce goals, it’s going to be hard for this team to continue to get results week-in and week-out.

For the sixth consecutive season, D.C. United missed the MLS Cup Playoffs. 

This season, the squad finished 15th in the Eastern Conference & ultimately finished last place among the entire league (wooden spoon).

Taking a glance at the overall season, D.C. United went 2-8-7 at home & 3-10-4 on the road. They scored 22 less goals and allowed 4 less goals in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, D.C. United will have a lot of roster flexibility & a lot of decisions to make in regards to the future of their club as they look to improve this roster.

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

U22 forward Gabriel Pirani was the lone shining player for D.C. United. He was there when the club needed him most as the young forward had 11 goal contributions (7 goals & 4 assists) in 28 matches played this season.

This team has a high level of roster flexibility entering this offseason. D.C. United declined the option of Designated Player forward Christian Benteke, however, DCU chief soccer officer Erkut Sogut says, “Although we declined Christian Benteke’s contract option, we remain in discussions with his representatives regarding a potential return in 2026,”.

This is the first offseason under DCU’s new regime and it’s clearly a time where the club could undergo massive changes, potentially having THREE OPEN DESIGNATED PLAYER SLOTS.

The Negatives

D.C. United were the third worst defensive team in the league during the 2025 regular season as they allowed 66 goals in just 34 games. 

DCU also struggled offensively as they dealt with injuries all season. Need to get better on the offensive sector if this team wants to be impactful whatsoever in MLS.

Christian Benteke is a key example of wasted resources. The forward made $4,937,500 last season and had 12 goal contributions (9 goals & 3 assists). The DP forward missed 9 games for D.C. in 2025 as he was dealing with thigh & ankle related injuries in April, May, June & July. His option (as of now) was declined, however, he remains in negotiations on a potential return. This could be viewed positively or negatively. It’s extremely dependent on how the rest of DCU’s offseason goes.

D.C. United actually did okay in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, however, their run came to an end in the Quarterfinals when they lost to Nashville SC 5-2.

Roster Flexibility

D.C. United will have a ton of roster flexibility. At this given moment, the club has ZERO designated players and three U-22 initiative signings (Caden Clark, Kim Joon Hong, & Gabriel Pirani).

This club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $718,569 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 21 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

Determine whether or not the club will re-sign DP forward Christian Benteke.

Attempt to sign at least two designated players. If this team wants to be taken more seriously, then the ownership group needs to go out and spend money to makeD.C. United a desirable destination again.

Attempt to sign defender Walker Zimmerman in free agency. The team needs defensive additions & signing the 2x MLS Defender of the Year would be a great start.

For the third consecutive season, Columbus Crew made the MLS Cup Playoffs.

This season, the squad finished 7th in the Eastern Conference & fell in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs after their best-of-three series with FC Cincinnati went the distance.

Taking a glance at the overall season, Columbus went 9-3-5 at home & 5-5-7 on the road. They scored 17 less goals and allowed 11 goals more in comparison to their 2024 campaign.

With their roster decisions published, Columbus will have a lot of roster flexibility & a lot of decisions to make in regards to the future of their club as they look to improve this roster.

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Columbus Crew’s offensive output this season was pretty good this season. 

Diego Rossi led the way with 20 goal contributions (16 goals & 4 assists) with defender Max Arfsten coming in right behind him with 12 goal contributions (4 goals & 8 assists). 

Columbus had SIXTEEN different goalscorers this season, with 7 tallying 3+ goals.

This team was very successful at home this season. Finishing 9W-3L-5D at home virtually made it impossible for this team to miss the playoffs.

The Negatives

The club is going to lose Wilfried Nancy this offseason. It’s inevitable at this point of the season that Columbus will be entering the offseason without a head coach. It will be imperative that Columbus gets on top of their search pronto so that they can keep the continuity that this club has had for the last couple of seasons.

Columbus was another team that failed to make it out of the groups stage in the Leagues Cup this season. The club had 2 wins & 1 loss in Leagues Cup after falling 2-2 (4-2 in penalties) to Toluca, a 3-1 victory over Puebla, & a 1-0 victory over Club Leon. 

Roster Flexibility

The Columbus Crew have A LOT of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has three designated players (Wessam Abou Ali, Daniel Gazdag, & Diego Rossi) and two U-22 initiative signings (Ibrahim Aliyu & Hugo Picard).

This club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model. In regard to GAM totals, the club has $1,990,355 of GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 22 players rostered as of November 25th.

Offseason Priorities

Hire a new head coach. It’s just that simple. This is an extremely talented squad. Find someone that’s willing to take on the project and keep the continuity.

Help Wessam Abou Ali get acclimated to the United States & surround him with more pieces to be successful.