Introduced as part of the 2021 MLS Roster Rules, the U22 Initiative encouraged MLS clubs to sign up young players to lucrative deals at a reduced budget charge. 

In 2024, the rules were changed, allowing new roster-building mechanisms for MLS Teams. 

Teams now can decide their own choice of their roster designation: Either 3 Designated Players & 3 U22s per team or the teams could decide to have only 2 Designated Players with 4 U22s with an additional bonus of $2,000,000 in general allocation money for prioritizing younger players which allowed teams further flexibility.

U22 acquisition fees do not count against a team’s Salary Cap, providing enhanced opportunities to domestic and international rising stars.

Here at Spotrac, we’re breaking down the rules & current list of U22 Initiative Players.

U22 Initiative Player Rules

U22 Initiative Roster Slots

Number of Slots

Each MLS team will have either three or four U22 Initiative roster slots available, with each occupying one of the 20 existing Senior Roster Slots. The number of U22 Initiative Slots available to each team will be based on the roster construction model they choose at the beginning of a respective season. For 2025, clubs had to choose their roster construction path by the Roster Compliance Date on Feb. 21.

Eligibility for U22 Initiative Slot

Age: A player must be twenty-two years old or younger in the first year he is eligible to play in an MLS game (e.g., not eligible for 2026 if he turns 23 in 2026). A player who signs at age 22 or younger may continue to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot through the year in which he turns 25, provided that for non-Homegrown players, such player is on his initial contract. A Homegrown player may continue to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot through the year in which he turns 25, provided he must be on his first or second contract and the applicable contract must have been signed at age 22 or younger.

Contract: A player is eligible to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot if signing his first contract with MLS, provided that player meets age and compensation requirements, as either a Homegrown player, or, as an international or domestic player playing outside of MLS. A player will be eligible to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot during his second contract provided that he meets the age and compensation requirements and signed his first contract with MLS as either a Homegrown or SuperDraft player.

Compensation: A player’s salary may not exceed the Maximum Salary Budget Charge in any given year, including option years. A Homegrown or SuperDraft player on his second contract may earn up to $200,000 above the Maximum Salary Budget Charge in any given year, including option years.

In addition, clubs may pay, without limit, additional amounts in the form of acquisition fees (i.e. transfer or loan fees).

U22 Initiative Slot Budget Charge

Players occupying a U22 Initiative Slot will have a Salary Budget Charge that mirrors that of a Young Designated Player:

• Ages 20 and younger: $150,000
• Ages 21-25: $200,000

All such amounts above the first $150,000 or $200,000 accounted for on the Salary Budget will be paid on a discretionary basis by the club.

Transfer of Player

In the event a player occupying a U22 Initiative Slot is transferred outside of the League, 95% of the proceeds of the sale (after out-of-pocket amounts are recouped) will be paid to the club and such amounts may be converted to General Allocation Money.

To remove a U22 Initiative Slot classification, a club may: transfer the player out of MLS, remove the player from a U22 Initiative Slot using Targeted Allocation Money or General Allocation Money, loan the player outside of MLS, utilize one of its two Buyouts, or transition the player to a Designated Player slot.

If the contract of a player occupying a U22 Initiative Slot is renegotiated prior to its conclusion, the League will not reclassify the player and he may continue to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot until his initial contract would have otherwise expires depending on compensation.

Salary Limitation in Options and Years 26+

If a player’s contract includes Options, compensation during the Options may exceed the Maximum Salary Budget Charge only if it is in a year the player is no longer required to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot. These players would not be eligible to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot in the Option year regardless of age if the compensation exceeds the Maximum Salary Budget Charge.

If a player’s contract covers years in which he is no longer eligible to occupy a U22 Initiative Slot (i.e., the seasons of his 26+ birthday), the player’s compensation may exceed the Maximum Salary Budget Charge provided it is during an Option year.

As of January 18, 2026, there have been 158 total U22 Initiative Players in MLS history. Currently, there are 83 Active U22 Initiative Players in MLS.

Active U22 Players & their 2025 guaranteed salaries

Quick Caveat: All Salaries are based on the information provided on the MLSPA Salary Guide (as of October 1, 2025). 

Players that are new to MLS and have recently been signed to U22 deals will be listed but will have their salary as N/A. Players that have been signed to U22 deals and have previously played in MLS will have their last recorded salary listed.

Reminder: Players occupying a U22 Initiative Slot will have a Salary Budget Charge that mirrors that of a Young Designated Player: (Ages 20 and younger: $150,000 & Ages 21-25: $200,000)

1. Gabriel Pirani - $791,700

2. Kevin Kelsy - $752,804

3. Dor Turgeman - $740,000

4. Joeng Sang-bin - $737,458 

5. Dominik Marczuk - $735,500 

6. Luca Langoni - $732,283

7. Hugo Picard - $731,244

8. Julian Fernández - $724,300

9. Nectarios Triantis - $722,665

10. Lucas Sanabria - $694,800

11. Jovan Mijatović (on loan at OH Leuven) - $687,500

12. Kerwin Vargas - $683,750

13. Jalen Neal - $681,250

14. Dje D’Avilla - $660,490

15. Ahmed Qasem - $650,000

16. Igor Jesus - $616,684

17. Artem Smolyakov - $613,297

18. Samuel Gidi - $611,050

19. Hennadii Synchuk - $606,000

20. Alexis Manyoma (on loan at Colorado Rapids from Estudiantes de La Plata) - $592,950

21. Agustín Ojeda - $577,833

22. Ilay Feingold - $575,000

23. Antony - $555,342

24. Lawrence Ennali - $549,250

25. Mateo Silvetti - $547,078

26. Patrick Yazbek - $531,013

27. Ibrahim Aliyu - $526,375

28. David Martinez - $525,000

29. Chris Durkin - $520,000

30. Quinn Sullivan - $518,000

31. Wiktor Bogacz - $516,240

32. Diego Luna - $499,833

33. Noah Eile - $493,200

34. David Ayala - $477,000

35. Jonathan Perez - $470,956

36. Tomas Aviles - $467,492

37. Nikola Petković - (on loan at Charlotte FC from Seattle Sounders) - $466,250

38. Fallou Fall - $462,419

39. Nicolas Romero - $457,500

40. Ted Ku-Dipietro - $456,000

41. Idan Toklomati - $452,700

42. Tomas Angel - $443,750

43. Owen Gene - $430,100

44. Edier Ocampo - $428,299

45. Kim Joon-Hong - (on loan at Suwon Samsung Bluewings) - $427,000

46. Nelson Palacio (on loan at FC Zürich) - $423,167

47. Dennis Gjengaar - $418,769

48. Ender Echenique - $414,180

49. Gilberto Flores - $411,664

50. Sunusi Ibrahim - $410,000

51. Caden Clark - $407,000

52. Jack McGlynn - $399,320

53. Geovane Jesus - $397,000

54. Kenji Cabrera - $390,053

55. Enes Sali - $370,000

56. Julian Aude - $360,000

57. Josh Atencio - $350,000

58. Mateja Djordjevic - $347,500

59. Leonardo Barroso - $345,000

60. Cassius Mailula - $341,003

61. Ariath Piol - $336,859

62. Telasco Segovia - $335,000

63. Viktor Radojević - $307,000

64. Nicolás Dubersarsky - $297,986

65. Olwethu Makhanya - $288,875

66. Jake Girdwood-Reich - $281,027

67. Pedro Soma - $275,453

68. Nelson Quiñónes - $272,894 

69. Baye Coulibaly - $269,500

70. Patrickson Delgado - $260,280 

71. Owen Wolff - $221,600

72. Kaick - $201,900

73. Nicolas Rodriguez - (on loan at Atletico Nacional) - $200,500

74. Reed Baker-Whiting - $158,000

75. Brooklyn Raines - $143,063

76. Noel Buck - $115,000

77. Tiago Souza - Salary N/A

78. Ezekiel Alladoh - Salary N/A 

79. Tomás Jacob - Salary N/A

80. Luis Otávio - Salary N/A

81. Puso Dithejane - Salary N/A

82. Mbekezeli Mbokazi - Salary N/A

83. Ran Binyamin - Salary N/A

U22 Player History by Club

Quick Caveat: The below list indicates players who have had their contract assigned as a U22 Initiative Player (U22) contract during their time in MLS. Players may have not always had a U22 contract, or have later had their contract negotiated to a U22 level.

Former MLS Sides Miami Fusion, Tampa Bay Mutiny, & CD Chivas USA were dissolved prior to the introduction of the U22 Initiative, hence their non-involvement in this article.

Players in bold are currently signed to a U22 contract by their club.

Atlanta United FC

• Franco Ibarra (2021-24)

• Santiago Sosa (2021-24)

• Thiago Almada (2022-24)

• Edwin Mosquera (2022-25

• Tomás Jacob (2026 - Present)

Austin FC

• Rodney Redes (2020-23)

• Moussa Djitte (2021-24)

• Zan Kolmanic (2021 - Present)

• Mateja Djordjevic (2025 - Present)

• Nico Dubersarsky (2025 - Present)

• Owen Wolff (2021 - Present)

Charlotte FC

• Vinicius Mello (2022-24)

• Kerwin Vargas (2022 - Present)

• Idan Toklomati (2024 - Present)

• Nikola Petkovic (2024 - Present)

• Baye Coulibaly (2024 - Present)

Chicago Fire FC

• Jhon Duran (2022-23)

• Georgios Koutsias (2023-25)

• Federico Navarro (2021-24)

• Brian Gutiérrez (2020-25)

• Dje D’Avilla (2025 - Present)

• Leonardo Barroso (2025 - Present)

• Viktor Radojević (2025 - Present)

• Puso Dithejane (2026 - Present)

• Mbekezeli Mbokazi (2026 - Present)

FC Cincinnati

• Isaac Atanga (2021-23)

• Alvaro Barreal (2020-25)

• Gustavo Vallecilla (2021-22)

• Marco Angulo (2023-24)

• Kevin Kelsy (2024)

• Ender Echenique (2025 - Present)

• Dominik Marczuk (2025)

• Samuel Gidi (2025 - Present)

• Gilberto Flores (2025 - Present)

Colorado Rapids

• Lucas Esteves (2021-22)

• Gustavo Vallecilla (2022-23)

• Max Alves de Silva (2022-23)

• Sidnei Tavares (2023)

• Alexis Manyoma (2025 - Present)

• Theodore Ku-Dipietro (2025 - Present)

• Cole Bassett (2025)

Columbus Crew

• Alexandru Matan (2021-24)

• Marino Hinestroza (2024)

• Hugo Picard (2025 - Present)

• Ibrahim Aliyu (2025 - Present)

FC Dallas

• Szabolcs Schon (2021-22)

• Joshue Quinonez (2022)

• Jose Mulato (2022-24)

• Geovane de Jesus (2023 - Present)

• Enes Sali (2024 - Present)

• Kaick (2025 - Present)

• Patrickson Delgado (2025 - Present)

• Ran Binyamin (2026 - Present)

D.C. United

• Chris Durkin (2016-20)

• Ted Ku-DiPitero (2022-24)

• Gabriel Pirani (2024 - Present)

• Caden Clark (2025 - Present)

• Kim Joon-Hong (2025 - Present)

Houston Dynamo FC

• Thiago Rodrigues (2022)

• Ibrahim Aliyu (2023-25)

• Nelson Quinones (2023 - Present)

• Lawrence Ennali (2024 - Present)

• Jack McGlynn (2025 - Present)

Inter Miami CF

• Leonardo Campana (2022-24)

• Benjamin Cremaschi (2022 - Present)

• Emerson Rodriguez (2022-25)

• Tomas Aviles (2023 - Present)

• Diego Gomez (2023-24)

• Facundo Farias (2023-25)

• Federico Redondo (2024-25)

• Mateo Silvetti (2025 - Present)

• Telasco Segovia (2025 - Present)

• David Ayala (2026 - Present)

Sporting Kansas City 

• Marinos Tzionis (2022-24)

• Robert Voloder (2022-25)

• Logan Ndenbe (2022-25)

• Owen Gene (2025 - Present)

• Nicolas Romero (2025 - Present)

• Nectarios Triantis (2025 - Present)

Los Angeles Galaxy

• Efrain Alvarez (2019-23)

• Julian Araujo (2019-23)

• Dejan Joveljic (2021-24)

• Julian Aude (2023 - Present)

• Matheus Nascimento (2025)

• Lucas Sanabria (2025 - Present)

Los Angeles FC

• Diego Palacios (2019-23)

• Jose Cifuentes (2020-23)

• Francisco Ginella (2019-24)

• Stipe Biuk (2023-24)

• Cristian Olivera (2023-25)

• David Martinez (2024 - Present)

• Tomas Angel (2024)

• Omar Campos (2024-25)

• Igor Jesus (2025 - Present)

• Andy Moran (2025)

• Artem Smolyakov (2025 - Present)

Minnesota United FC

• Bongokuhle Hlongwane (2022 - 2025)

• Jeong Sang-bin (2023-25)

• Owen Gene (2025 - Present)

• Nicolas Romero (2025 - Present)

CF Montréal

• Sunusi Ibrahim (2021 - Present)

• George Campbell (2023-25)

• Robert Thorkelsson (2021-24)

• Matko Miljevic (2021-24)

• Joaquin Sosa (2024)

• Jalen Neal (2025 - Present)

• Hennadii Synchuk (2025 - Present)

Nashville SC

• Patrick Yazbek (2024 - Present)

• Dru Yearwood (2024)

• Jonathan Perez (2025 - Present)

• Ahmed Qasem (2025 - Present)

New England Revolution

• Dylan Borrero (2022-24)

• Luca Langoni (2024 - Present)

• Ilay Feingold (2025 - Present)

• Dor Turgeman (2025 - Present)

• Brooklyn Raines (2026 - Present)

New York City FC

• Nicolas Acevedo (2020-24)

• Thiago Andrade (2021-24)

• Santiago Rodriguez (2023-25)

• Monsef Bakrar (2023-25)

• Julian Fernandez (2023 - Present)

• Jovan Mijatovic (2024 - Present)

• Agustin Ojeda (2024 - Present)

Red Bull New York

• Dru Yearwood (2020-23)

• Lucas Monzon (2021-22)

• Andres Reyes (2021-24)

• Dennis Gjengaar (2024 - Present)

• Noah Eile (2024 - Present)

• Wiktor Bogacz (2025 - Present)

Orlando City SC

• Andres Perea (2020-22)

• Gaston Gonzalez (2022-24)

• Cesar Araujo (2022-25)

• Ramiro Enrique (2023-25)

• Heine Gikling Bruseth (2024)

• Nicolas Rodriguez (2025 - Present)

• Luis Otavio (2026 - Present)

• Tiago Souza (2026 - Present)

Philadelphia Union

• Quinn Sullivan (2021 - Present)

• Olwethu Makhanya (2023 - Present)

• Ezequiel Alladoh (2026 - Present)

Portland Timbers

• Santiago Moreno (2021-25)

• David Ayala (2022-25)

• Antony (2023 - Present)

• Kevin Kelsy (2025 - Present)

Real Salt Lake

• Diego Luna (2022 - Present)

• Braian Ojeda (2022-26)

• Carlos Andres Gomez (2023-24)

• Nelson Palacio (2023 - Present)

• Dominik Marczuk (2024 - Present)

• Ariath Piol (2025 - Present)

St. Louis City SC

• Isak Jensen (2023-24)

• Jake Girdwood-Reich (2024 - Present)

• Chris Durkin (2024 - Present)

• Jeong Sang-bin (2025 - Present)

• Fallou Fall (2025 - Present)

San Diego FC

• Tomas Angel (2025 - Present)

• Heine Gikling Bruseth (2025-26)

• Pedro Soma (2025 - Present)

San Jose Earthquakes

• Marcos Lopez (2019-22)

• Cade Cowell (2019-24)

• Noel Buck (2025 - Present)

Seattle Sounders FC

• Josh Atencio (2020-24)

• Leo Chu (2021-24)

• Reed Baker-Whiting (2021 - Present)

• Nikola Petkovic (2026 - Present)

Toronto FC

• Ayo Akinola (2018-24)

• Cassius Mailula (2023 - Present)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

• Pedro Vite (2021-25)

• Deiber Caicedo (2021-25)

• Caio Alexandre (2021-25)

• Edier Ocampo (2024 - Present)

• Kenji Cabrera (2025 - Present)

U22 Initiative Player History by Nation

Quick Caveat: Players are listed by their birth nation. They are NOT listed by what national team they represent / represented

United States: (23) Ayo Akinola, Josh Atencio, Julian Araujo, Cole Bassett, Noel Buck, George Campbell, Caden Clark, Cade Cowell, Benjamin Cremaschi, Chris Durkin, Brian Gutierrez, Theodore Ku-Dipietro, Diego Luna, Jalen Neal, Matko Miljevic, Jack McGlynn, Andres Perea, Jonathan Perez, Brooklyn Raines, Pedro Soma, Quinn Sullivan, Reed Baker-Whiting, Owen Wolff

Argentina: (19) Thiago Almada, Efrain Alvarez, Julian Aude, Tomas Aviles, David Ayala, Alvaro Barreal, Nico Dubersarsky, Ramiro Enrique, Facundo Farias, Julian Fernandez, Gaston Gonzalez, Franco Ibarra, Tomas Jacob, Luca Langoni, Federico Navarro, Agustin Ojeda, Nicolas Romero, Mateo Silvetti, Santiago Sosa, 

Brazil: (16) Antony, Caio Alexandre, Max Alves, Thiago Andrade, Leo Chu, Lucas Esteves, Geovane Jesus, Igor Jesus, Kaick, Vinicius Mello, Lucas Monzon, Matheus Nascimento, Luis Otavio, Gabriel Pirani, Thiago Rodrigues, Tiago Souza

Colombia: (16) Dylan Borrero, Deiber Caicedo, Jhon Duran, Carlos Andres Gomez, Marino Hinestroza, Alexis Manyoma, Edwin Mosquera, Santiago Moreno, Jose Mulato, Edier Ocampo, Nelson Palacio, Andres Reyes, Emerson Rodriguez, Nicolas Rodriguez, Nelson Quinones, Kerwin Vargas 

Ecuador: (8) Marco Angulo, Leonardo Campana, Jose Cifuentes, Patrickson Delgado, Diego Palacios, Joshue Quinonez, Gustavo Vallecilla, Pedro Vite

Uruguay: (7 ) Nicolas Acevedo, Cesar Araujo, Francisco Ginella, Cristian Olivera, Santiago Rodriguez, Lucas Sanabria, Joaquin Sosa

South Africa: (5) Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Puso Dithejane, Olwethu Makhanya, Cassius Mailula, Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Australia: (4) Jake Girdwood-Reich, Ariath Piol, Nectarios Triantis, Patrick Yazbek

Israel: (4) Ran Binyamin, Ilay Feingold, Idan Toklomati, Dor Turgeman

Paraguay: (4) Gilberto Flores, Diego Gomez, Braian Ojeda, Rodney Redes

Serbia: (4) Mateja Djordjevic, Jovan Mijatovic, Nikola Petkovic, Viktor Radojević 

Venezuela: (4) Ender Echenique, Kevin Kelsy, David Martinez, Telasco Segovia, 

Ghana: (3) Isaac Atanga, Ezequiel Alladoh, Samuel Gidi

Germany: (2) Lawrence Ennali, Robert Voloder

France: (2) Owen Gene, Hugo Picard

Nigeria: (2) Ibrahim Aliyu, Sunusi Ibrahim

Norway: (2) Heine Gikling Bruseth, Dennis Gjengaar

Poland: (2) Wiktor Bogacz, Dominik Marczuk

Portugal: (2) Leonardo Barroso, Sidnei Tavares

Senegal: (2) Moussa Djitte, Fallou Fall

South Korea: (2) Kim Joon-Hong, Jeong Sang-bin

Sweden: (2) Noah Eile, Ahmed Qasem

Ukraine: (2) Artem Smolyakov, Hennadii Synchuk

United Kingdom: (2) Tomas Angel, Dru Yearwood

Algeria: (1) Monsef Bakrar

Belgium: (1) Logan Ndenbe 

Bosnia & Herzegovina: (1) Dejan Joveljic

Canada: (1) Enes Sali

Côte d’Ivoire: (1) Dje D’Avilla

Croatia: (1) Stipe Biuk

Cyprus: (1) Marinos Tzionis

Denmark: (1) Isak Jensen

Greece: (1) Georgios Koutsias

Hungary: (1) Szabolcs Schon

Iceland: (1) Robert Thorkelsson

Ireland: (1) Andrew Moran

Japan: (1) Kenji Cabrera

Mali: (1) Baye Coulibaly

Mexico: (1) Omar Campos

Peru: (1) Marcos Lopez

Romania: (1) Alexandru Matan

Slovenia: (1) Žan Kolmanič

Spain: (1) Federico Redondo

The Chicago Bears finished 2025 with an 11-6 record, good enough to capture the NFC North division and a 2 seed in the playoffs.

The Bears enter 2026 with around $5M of cap space (against a $304M league projection), including 38 contracts currently on the books. The table is headlined by WR D.J. Moore ($28.5M) and ED Montez Sweat ($25M).

Chicago currently holds 6 draft picks in 2026, including the Rams’ selection in the 4th round. Bears’ Future Draft Picks

Early Offseason Questions

• The Bears’ front office hasn’t been prone to utilizing the “void year” system that allows bonuses, salary conversions, etc, to prorate over the max 5-years. Will that philosophy change now that they’re on the cusp of contention?
• With limited draft capital early on, will the Bears look to identify a currently rostered player or two to dangle on the trade block this March, in hopes of shoring up an extra pick or two?
• Will the Bears quick turn-around, and Ben Johnson’s attractive offensive scheme, make Chicago a destination for free agents this spring, helping to keep bottom-line costs down for the organization?

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac Valuation APY)

CB Nahshon Wright ($16M)
S Jaquan Brisker ($10M)
S Kevin Byard ($7.8M)
OT Braxton Jones ($5M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Option Decision

RT Darnell Wright

The 2023 1st-rounder has been both reliable, and steadily improving on the right side of Chicago’s line, setting up an elongated tenure (and potential extension) in the near future. For now, Wright’s 5th-year option salary projects to around $20M, and his current valuation in our system ($19.5M) lives right around that number as well.

Extension Candidates

RB D'Andre Swift

With back-to-back seasons of 1,300+ yards from scrimmage, and maybe his best overall campaign to date in 2025, Swift is certainly in the conversation to continue his role in Chicago for the coming years. He’s due an unprotected $7.5M in the final year of his contract, projecting toward a 2 year, $18M extension in our system.

ED Montez Sweat

Sweat remains the Bears’ top defensive lineman, and just finished a 10 sack, 50+ tackle, 3 forced fumble campaign in 2025. He’s got 2 years, $42M remaining on his current contract right now, so there’s not an immediate urgency to shake things up. But back to back $25M+ cap hits in 2026, 2027 could become problematic as the team continues to build out. An extension (currently projected at 3 years, $66M) can lower the initial cap figures, and lock in Sweat to a multi-year guarantee structure.

Bubble Candidates

LB Tremaine Edmunds

Release Candidate

The 28-year-old is entering a contract year in 2026, set to earn an unprotected $15M this season. The 2018 1st-round pick by Buffalo just completed his 8th-straight season with 100+ tackles, while also intercepting 4 passes in 2025. Edmunds has certainly done enough to warrant a return in 2026, but teams generally don’t keep off-ball linebackers at higher compensation for too long without resetting the process. It’s possible that’s where Chicago falls this March, freeing up $15M of space in moving on.

TE Cole Kmet

Release Candidate

Kmet’s role & targets have decreased since the Bears brought Colston Loveland into the picture, putting the 2 years, $20M remaining on notice. Chicago can free up $8.4M of cap space by moving on before a $1M roster bonus is due March 15th.

Potential Cap Conversions

WR D.J. Moore’s 2026 salary is already fully guaranteed. Processing a simple salary conversion (no void years) can free up $17.4M. That can increase to $18.5M saved by adding a void year.

OL Joe Thuney’s 2026 salary is already fully guaranteed. Converting most of it to bonus can free up $7.3M. Those savings can increase to $11.7M with the use of void years.

Most of DL Grady Jarrett’s 2026 salary is guaranteed. Converting it to bonus frees up $6.9M of cap. That figure increases to $10.8M with the use of void years.

RELATED LINKS
Bears 2026 Salary Cap Table
2026 Bears Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guide

The San Francisco 49ers finished 2025 12-5, tied for 2nd place in the NFC West, and good enough for a 6th seed in the playoffs.

They enter 2026 with an estimated $39M of cap space (against a projected $304M league threshold), including 44 contracts (3 of which are set to void in March). The Niners table is headlined by Nick Bosa ($42M), and Trent Williams ($38.8M).

San Francisco currently boasts 8 draft picks, including three 3rd-rounders (two projected compensatory picks). They sent a 5th-round pick to Philly in exchange for LB Bryce Huff. Future 49ers Draft Picks

Early Offseason Questions

• With Aiyuk certainly on his way out, Jennings slated for free agency, and Kittle a TBD as he recovers from an Achilles tear, how aggressive will the front office be in dedicating starter-level talent around Brock Purdy in 2026?
• Trent Williams has announced a return, but his timeline is (obviously) dwindling. Will there be a concerted effort in locating his heir apparent this offseason?
• What is it going to take to keep this roster relatively healthy for 20+ weeks?

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac Valuation APY)

WR Jauan Jennings ($22.6M)
K Eddy Pineiro ($5.5M)
OL Spencer Burford ($3.5M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Extension Candidates

TE Jake Tonges

Tonges is slated for restricted free agency this, and the Niners may need to slap a higher tender on him to keep him away from an offer sheet (a 2nd-round tender could cost around $5.8M in 2026), but both sides may be poised to just skip that step and lock in a multi-year guarantee instead. Noah Gray’s 3 year, $18M extension in KC seems a likely starting point.

OT Trent Williams

Williams will be 38-years-old when the 2026 regular season kicks off, but he’s already confirmed his intent to return. With that said, the future HOFer currently carries a $38.8M cap hit against $33M cash, which likely forces San Francisco to adjust things in some manner. The Niners could opt to tack on a year, convert a little more base salary into bonus, and set themselves up to run Williams back in 2026 on a comfortable number, then consider his retirement as a Post June 1st scenario thereafter.

Bubble Candidates

WR Brandon Aiyuk

Release Candidate

For lack of a better term, Aiyuk quit on this organization in 2025 after fully recovering from his 2024 ACL injury. He’s reportedly healthy, and capable of playing football, but both sides decided to shut things down late this season, setting up a sure divorce in the coming months. While $26.15M of salary guarantee in 2026 has been voided, the contract still carries $29.5M of dead cap (stemming from a 2024 signing bonus, and a 2025 option bonus). San Francisco is likely to attempt to recoup a large portion of this, but they’ll take the hit to move on this March. Designating Aiyuk a Post June 1st release splits that into $8.3M for 2026, $21.2M in 2027.

QB Mac Jones

Trade Candidate

With $4.6M cash against a very tenable $3.9M cap hit in 2026, the Niners don’t have to do a thing with Jones - who filled in admirably for an injured Brock Purdy for 8 2025 starts. But there’s no question that a few QB-needy teams will be sniffing around this contract in the coming weeks, with a trade offer or two likely to come. An early offseason trade leaves behind $1.8M of dead cap, freeing up $2.1M of space.

CB Deommodore Lenoir

Trade Candidate

The entire SF secondary faced injury problems and overall inconsistent play in 2025, which should force the front office to prioritize upgrades this coming offseason. Lenoir still has 4 years, $68M remaining on his deal, but none of it is currently protected ($16M locks in April 1st). With $13M of dead cap against an $8.8M cap figure this season, the Niners probably give this one more year before considering their options.

Potential Cap Conversions

DE Nick Bosa’s 2026 compensation is fully secured. Converting salary to signing bonus can free up nearly $22M of cap.

In lieu of an extension, the Niners could opt to convert OT Trent Williams’ 2026 salary into signing bonus, freeing up as much as $17.4M of cap space.

RELATED LINKS
2026 49ers Salary Cap Table
49ers 2026 Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guide

The Los Angeles Chargers finished 2025 with an 11-6 record, good enough for 2nd place in the AFC West, and a 7th seed in the playoffs, before bowing out in the Wild Card round by New England.

LAC enters 2026 with a league-high $110M of estimated cap space according to our data, with 36 contracts currently on the books, led by QB Justin Herbert’s $46.3M figure.

The Chargers currently boast 5 draft picks, having sent their 5th round pick to Baltimore (Alohi Gilman), and a 7th round pick to Tennessee (Elijah Molden). Chargers Future Draft Picks

Early Offseason Questions

• How can this team find a way to keep star players healthy enough to compete when it matters most?
• LA’s success was focused around 34-year-old Khalil Mack & 33-year-old Keenan Allen, both of whom are pending free agents. Will they run it back?
• With a bounty of cap space to begin the offseason, how aggressive will this front office be in attempting to push the franchise into a true contention window.

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac Valuation APY)

ED Odafe Oweh ($19.3M)
ED Khalil Mack ($18.4M)
G Zion Johnson ($11.2M)
OL Jamaree Salyer ($9.8M)
WR Keenan Allen ($6.8M)
DL Teair Tart ($5.4M)
RT Trey Pipkins ($5M)
DL Da'shawn Hand ($4M)
RB Najee Harris ($3M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Option Decision

WR Quentin Johnston

A 2023 1st-rounder out of TCU, Johnston has now put together back-to-back solid - but not necessarily strong seasons in LA, including 8 TD catches in each. He finished 3rd on the team in targets (Allen, McConkey), furthering the notion that he may never be a true #1 option in the league. With that said, it remains likely that LAC declines the upcoming $16M 5th-year-option for 2027.

Extension Candidate

S Derwin James

The 29-year-old enters a contract year in 2026, set to earn $17.5M against a $24.6M cap hit. The 2018 1st-rounder out of Florida State remains reliable, productive, and dominating still at times, currently projecting towards a 4 year, $76M extension in our system.

Bubble Candidates

G Mekhi Becton

Release Candidate

Self-admittedly never found comfort in Greg Roman’s offensive structure this past season, making it highly unlikely that the Chargers retain him for 2026. LA can free up $10M by moving on before a $2.5M roster bonus is due March 13th.

TE Will Dissly

Release Candidate

Saw his role reduced mightily in 2025 (including a healthy scratch midseason), setting up a likely release out of the 1 year, $4M remaining. LAC can free up that amount of cap space by moving on before a $1M roster bonus is owed March 15th.

ED Bud Dupree

Dupree signed a 1 year, $6M extension back in June that put him under contract through 2026, but he found himself available for less than 400 snaps this past season. The Chargers can free up $3.5M of space by moving on before a $1M roster bonus is due March 13th.

Potential Cap Conversions

QB Justin Herbert’s 2026 salary is already fully guaranteed. Processing a simple salary conversion (plus 1 void year) frees up $18.2M.

LT Rashawn Slater’s 2026 salary is fully guaranteed. A salary conversion with 1 void year opens up $13.4M of cap.

Also of note: An extension for S Derwin James should lower his $24.6M cap figure for 2026.

RELATED LINKS
2026 Chargers Salary Cap
Chargers Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guide

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished 2025 with a 10-7 record, capturing the AFC North, before a Wild Card loss to Houston ended the season.

They enter 2026 boasting a projected $65M of cap space against an estimated $304M league threshold. This figure includes 38 contracts, led by T.J. Watt ($42M) & WR D.K. Metcalf ($31M).

The Steelers currently hold 12 draft picks according to our projections, including three third-round selections (their own, Dallas, and a compensatory pick), and two fourth-rounders. Steelers Future Draft Picks

Early Offseason Questions

• How will Pittsburgh address another offseason without a clearcut QB1? Is 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers the favorite to return? Will the Steelers dedicate a Top 100 draft pick toward the position? Will they be in the mix for Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, etc…?
• The Steelers made a splash for WR DK Metcalf last offseason, but still lack a consistently potent attack. Will they double down on bringing in experienced talent, or use their ample draft capital to replenish the pool?

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac’s Valuation APY)

QB Aaron Rodgers ($10.6M)
G Isaac Seumalo ($9.6M)
WR Calvin Austin ($5M)
RB Kenneth Gainwell ($3M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Option Decision

OT Broderick Jones

Jones has split time at both right and left tackle through 2+ seasons, but finished off 2025 on the IR due to a neck injury. The Steelers may have found a viable replacement for him in Dylan Cook in the meantime, which could very well impact their looming decision on what projects to be a $20M 5th-year option salary for 2027.

Extension Candidate

K Chris Boswell

Boswell remains one of the most reliable legs in football, and is headed toward a contract year in 2026. The 34-year-old is set to earn $3.1M against a $4.7M cap hit, and currently projects toward a 3 year, $20M extension.

OLB Nick Herbig

A 4th-round pick out of Wisconsin, Herbig has now posted back-to-back strong seasons, and is widely considered to be a rising star in the league. He enters a contract year in 2026, and is now extension-eligible for the first time, currently projecting toward a 4 year, $54 million deal in our system.

Bubble Candidates

LB Patrick Queen

Release Candidate

Queen remains a tackling machine in the center of the Steelers defense, but the overall resume may no longer be worth the $13M+ price point he’s been costing them for two seasons. Pittsburgh can free up $13.3M of cap by moving on in some fashion before a $2.5M roster bonus is due on March 13th.

DL ​​Cameron Heyward

Retirement Candidate?

The 36-year-old continues to perform at a very high level, and his $14.25M salary for 2026 isn’t necessarily bad value for a player who saw more than 70% of the snaps this past season. But Heyward and the Steelers battled all offseason for a contract adjustment that amounted to a small incentive package being added. Will he be looking for a pot sweetener again? Is he ready to hang up the cleats instead? There’s a $12.95M roster bonus due on March 12th that will make this an early decision, one way or another.

TE Pat Freiermuth

Release Candidate

The 27-year-old signed a 4 year, $48M extension in early 2024, but his role has been largely reduced of late, putting an unprotected 3 years, $27M remaining on notice. Freiermuth has a $1.5M roster bonus due March 13th, and an early offseason release can free up $4.9M of cap.

TE Jonnu Smith

Release Candidate

Still a viable option in the passing game, it stands to reason that at least one of Freiermuth & Smith will be moved on from this coming offseason. The 30-year-old’s cap hit doubles to $10.8M in 2026, and there’s $7M of cap to be saved with a trade or release.

Potential Cap Conversions

OLB T.J. Watt’s 2026 salary is already fully guaranteed. Processing a simple salary conversion on it (plus two void years) can free up $24.5M.

WR D.K. Metcalf’s 2026 salary is no longer guaranteed (2025 suspension), but converting it to bonus still makes business sense for the Steelers. There’s a maximum of $19M to be freed up here by doing so.

RELATED LINKS
2026 Steelers Salary Cap
Steelers 2026 Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guides

The Philadelphia Eagles finished 2025 with an 11-6 record good enough to secure the NFC East title, and a 3-seed in the postseason, where they were eliminated by the 49ers in the Wild Card round.

Philly steps into 2026 with around $22M of projected cap space, against a $304M league projection. This figure includes 49 contracts currently on the books, but 10 of those are set to void in early March. The Eagles (will) continue to push out salary cap by way of option bonus, cap conversions, and void/dummy years, offering them an opportunity to maintain a deep roster year in and year out.

The Eagles currently boast 8 draft picks, including 3 projected compensatory draft picks, in the upcoming draft. Eagles Future Draft Picks

Early Offseason Questions

• Is there enough fire with the smoke surrounding A.J. Brown’s discontent to see him move on this offseason?
• Will the early playoff exit spark change among the coaching staff in some way, shape, or form?
• Was Dallas Goedert’s 2-TD performance against SF a swan song for his Philly career?

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac’s Valuation APY)

ED Jaelan Phillips ($17M)
LB Nakobe Dean ($8M)
S Reed Blankenship ($7M)
TE Dallas Goedert ($6M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Option Decision

DL Jalen Carter

When available, he’s one of the best young IDLs in football, as is evident by his 2 Pro Bowl nods. Those honors escalate his 2027 5th-year-option salary price to an estimated $27.5M, which exceeds his current $21M valuation by quite a bit.

ED Nolan Smith

Smith missed 7 weeks of 2025 with an arm injury, which limited his ability to build off of what was a nice breakout campaign in 2024 (7 sacks, 40 tackles, 1 forced fumble). There’s plenty to like here, but it might be difficult for Philly to justify a near $19M guaranteed salary exercise.

Extension Candidate

DL Jordan Davis

A 1st-round pick out of Georgia (of course) back in 2022, Davis produced career numbers this past season, putting an immediate focus on his financial future. The 26-year-old holds a guaranteed $13M option salary for 2026, and currently projects toward a 4 year, $82M extension in our system.

Bubble Candidates

WR A.J. Brown

Trade Candidate

Neither Brown, nor the Eagles, have ever confirmed a rift between the two sides, and the 28-year-old still found his way to 78 catches, 1000+ yards, and 7 TDs this season, but it sure feels like there’s room to take a trade call or two in the coming weeks. Brown’s contract has 4 years, $113M remaining on it, including $29M fully guaranteed in 2026. $4M of his 2027 salary locks in this March, making this a 2-year, $50M contract for all intents and purposes.

Here’s the problem: 4 signing/option bonuses later, Brown’s contract holds $43,515,106 of dead cap if traded before June 1st, meaning the Eagles would take a $20M cap bath to move their WR1 before the upcoming draft. Waiting until after June 1st can free up $7M of space. If the Eagles were to bite the bullet and trade Brown early this offseason, they’d be taking on the 4th largest single season dead cap hit in NFL history (and making a heck of a lot more financial trouble for themselves as well).

OT Lane Johnson

Retirement Candidate

A pillar of reliability, consistency, and productivity, Johnson missed almost half of 2025 due to injury, and as he approaches 36-years-old, is certainly heading toward the backside of his illustrious career. Contractually, Johnson holds 3 years, $60M remaining but none of it is currently protected. With $40.2M of dead cap against a $24M cap figure currently, any sort of transaction would likely be processed after June 1st, when a little over $9M to be saved.

CB Michael Carter II

Trade/Release Candidate

Acquired from NYJ at the deadline, $1.4M of Carter’s $10.25M salary for 2026 is currently guaranteed. Another $4M locks in this March. The Eagles most likely eat that $1.4M to move on and free up $8.8M of cap space (especially with the salary containing offset language that they’ll benefit from in 2027).

Potential Cap Conversions

None. The only Eagles players containing salary that could potentially be converted to bonus are:

DL Jordan Davis ($12.9M) who is very likely to be extended.
CB Michael Carter II who is likely to be traded/released.

That’s it. That’s the list.

RELATED LINKS
2026 Eagles Salary Cap Table
Eagles 2026 Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guide

The Jacksonville Jaguars finished 2025 13-4, good enough for an AFC South title, and a 3rd seed in the postseason.

The Jaguars enter 2026 with around $5M of initial cap space against an estimated $304M league threshold. This includes 43 contracts currently on the books, plus two (Greg Newsome and Dyami Brown), set to void in early March.

Jacksonville currently holds 9 draft picks, including three 3rd round picks (two from Detroit). The Jags sent their 1st round pick to Cleveland in exchange for the #2 overall pick used for Travis Hunter.

Early Offseason Questions

• Where does Travis Hunter fit into the equation?
• How much of this top-rated defense can remain in 2026?

Notable Free Agents

(Spotrac’s Valuation APY)

LB Devin Lloyd ($20M)
CB Montaric Brown ($14.6M)
CB Greg Newsome ($9M)
RB Travis Etienne ($7M)
S Andrew Wingard ($6M)

VIEW ALL FREE AGENTS

Option Decision

OT Anton Harrison

The 2023 1st-rounder out of Oklahoma has steadily improved each year, culminating with one of the best RT performances of 2025. He enters 2026 with a $19M valuation in our system, which comes in just under the $20.4M estimate for his 2027 5th year option. Jacksonville has until May 1st to decide on that salary.

Extension Candidate

WR Parker Washington

Washington has excelled in Lian Coen’s new offensive scheme, posting career numbers in every statistical category. The 23-year-old enters a contract year in 2026, currently projecting toward a 4 year, $56M extension in our system.

TE Brenton Strange

A 2nd-rounder out of Penn State, Strange enters a contract year in 2026, coming off of a career-high 60 catch, 540 yard season. He holds a 4 year, $48M valuation in our system.

Bubble Candidates

OT Walker Little

Trade Candidate

Jacksonville gave Little a 3 year, $40M extension last December, but he’s been usurped at left tackle by Cole Van Lanen, who just secured a $51M deal himself. Little’s deal holds 2 years, $25M remaining, including a fully guaranteed $12M for 2026. The Jags can free up over $7M of cap by finding a trade partner this spring.

WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Trade Candidate

The 2024 1st-rounder out of LSU saw his production cut in half (though his drops increased) in Liam Coen’s new offense, creating the possibility of a move out of town this offseason. His rookie deal has 2 years, $5M fully guaranteed remaining, plus a 5th-year option available in 2028.

TE Johnny Mundt

Release Candidate

Mundt was added on a 2 year, $5.5M free agent contract this past March, but none of his 2026 compensation is guaranteed. Jacksonville can free up $2.75M of cap by moving on here.

Potential Cap Conversions

33-year-old DL Arik Armstead holds a $19.4M cap figure in 2026. While a tack-on extension isn’t out of the question, a simple salary conversion (plus void years) can free up over $10.4M of space.

LB Foyesade Oluokun carries a $16.8M cap figure this season, with 2 years, $19M (unprotected) remaining on his deal through 2027. He’s another fringe extension candidate, but a salary conversion with void years can free up $6.6M.

Nearly all of G Patrick Mekari’s 2026 salary is fully guaranteed. Flipping most of it to a signing bonus (plus void years) can open up almost $8M of cap.

Also of note: Travon Walker holds a guaranteed $15.2M option salary in 2026. There’s potential for Jacksonville to extend him out of this, process a simple salary conversion, trade him, or do nothing.

RELATED LINKS
2026 Jaguars Salary Cap
Jaguars 2026 Free Agents
Spotrac’s Offseason Guide

Happy New Year! 

As of today, players have begun reporting to their respective teams, marking the official start of 2026 MLS Preseason.

Here at Spotrac, we’re showcasing the official key dates of the 2026 MLS Season, along with every MLS team’s preseason game schedule:

2026 MLS Season Upcoming Key Dates:

MLS Winter Transfer Window: Jan. 23 - Mar. 26 (TBA - expected dates listed)

This registration window showcases the dates between which MLS may request the international transfer certificate of a player under contract in another country or trade players within MLS.

The official dates are TBA.

MLS Roster Compliance Date: TBA - (expected to be late February)

The 2026 Roster Compliance Date is expected to be in late February. For the 2025 season, it was Friday, February 21 by 8 p.m. ET.

The official date is TBA, however, this date will be the official time that MLS clubs must be roster and budget compliant heading into the start of the 2026 MLS season.

MLS is BACK weekend: Feb. 21-22

All 30 MLS clubs will play on MLS is Back opening weekend. 

Inter Miami CF open Miami Freedom Park: April 4

The league’s newest soccer-specific stadium opens on April 4th when Eastern Conference side Inter Miami CF hosts Western Conference side Austin FC in their inaugural match at the new 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park.

Inter Miami CF’s stadium is the first of three MLS stadiums set to open in consecutive years, including New York City FC’s new home, Etihad Park, arriving in 2027, and Chicago Fire FC’s new downtown stadium set to open in 2028.

FIFA World Cup Pause: May 25 - July 16

MLS will officially pause MLS play during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

MLS Action Returns: July 16 - 17

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals, the MLS season will officially restart.

2026 MLS All-Star Game: July 29

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game, hosted at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium, will take place on Wednesday, July 29th. 

The opponent will be announced at a later date.

2026 Roster Freeze: TBA - (expected to be early October)

The 2026 Roster Freeze Date has not officially been announced. In 2025, it was Friday, September 12, 2025. 

This is the date which MLS clubs must submit their final 30-man roster. Rosters cannot be changed from that date through the day after MLS Cup, subject to Extreme Hardship.

2026 MLS Decision Day: Nov. 7

The MLS regular season concludes with decision day on Saturday, November 7th. 

Audi MLS Cup Playoffs implications and the Golden Boot presented by Audi, among other stakes, will be up for grabs.

Eastern Conference matches begin at 4 PM ET.

Western Conference matches begin at 7 PM ET.

Only one game will be an East v West decision day as Eastern Conference side CF Montréal will face off against Western Conference side Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 4 PM ET.

2026 MLS Cup Final: TBA

The official MLS postseason schedule will be announced at a later date. 

Eastern Conference Teams Preseason Schedules

Atlanta United

Jan. 30 v Lexington SC (USL2) - Marietta, GA (Closed to Public)

Feb. 7 v Houston Dynamo FC - Houston, TX (Closed to Public)

Feb. 11 v Red Bull New York - Frisco, TX (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 14 v FC Dallas - Frisco, TX (Open ONLY to Season Ticket Holders)

CF Montréal

Jan. 23 v Slovan Liberec FC - Marbella, Spain (Open to Public)

Jan. 29 v FC Metalist 1925 Kharki - Marbella, Spain (Open to Public)

Feb. 7 v New England Revolution - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 10 v Philadelphia Union - Clearwater, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 14 v Tampa Bay Rowdies (USLC) - St. Petersburg, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Charlotte FC

Jan. 21 v Portimonense SC - Portimão, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 26 v Brøndby IF - Algarve, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 30 v Real Salt Lake - Albufeira, Portugal (Open to Public)

Feb. 5 v North Carolina FC (USLC) - Cary, NC (Closed to Fans & Media)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v San Jose Earthquakes - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v Minnesota United - Indio, CA(Open to Public)

Chicago Fire FC 

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 8 v Los Angeles Galaxy - Indio, CA(Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v Austin FC - Indio, CA(Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v Portland Timbers - Indio, CA(Open to Public)

Columbus Crew

Feb. 11 v Nashville SC - Palm Beach, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

D.C. United

Feb. 7 v Portland Timbers - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v Minnesota United FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v St. Louis City SC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

FC Cincinnati

Jan. 23 v New England Revolution - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 28 v Houston Dynamo FC - Tampa, FL (Closed to Public)

Feb. 7 v Detroit City FC (USLC) - Clearwater, FL (Closed to Public)

Feb. 11 v Orlando City SC - Tampa, FL (Closed to Public)

Inter Miami CF

Jan. 24 v Club Alianza Lima - Lima, Peru (Open to Public)

Jan. 31 v Club Atlético Nacional - Medellin, Colombia (Open to Public)

Feb. 7 v Barcelona de Guayaquil - Guayaquil, Ecuador (Open to Public)

Nashville SC

Jan. 20 v Chicago Fire FC - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Jan. 23 v Colorado Rapids - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Jan. 31 v Birmingham Legion FC (USLC) - Birmingham, Alabama (Closed to Public)

Feb. 7 v Orlando City SC - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Feb. 11 v Columbus Crew - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Feb. 14 v Lexington SC (USLL2) - Nashville, Tennessee (Closed to Public)

New England Revolution

Jan. 17 v Sarasota Paradise (USLL1) - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 23 v FC Cincinnati - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 31 v Houston Dynamo FC - St. Petersburg, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 7 v CF Montréal - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 14 v Hartford Athletic (USLC) - Foxborough, MA (Closed to Fans & Media)

New York City FC

Jan. 24 v Tampa Bay Rowdies (USLC) - St. Petersburg, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 1 v Austin FC - Austin, TX (Open ONLY to ATX Season Ticket Holders)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 8 v Los Angeles FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v Sporting Kansas City - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v San Jose Earthquakes - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Red Bull New York

(Torneo de Tejas)

Feb. 7 v FC Dallas - Frisco, TX (Open ONLY to FCD Season Ticket Holders)

Feb. 11 v Atlanta United FC - Frisco, TX (Closed to Fans & Media)

Orlando City SC

Jan. 24 v Lexington SC (USLL1) - Kissimmee, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 7 v Nashville SC  - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Feb. 11 v FC Cincinnati  - Tampa, Florida (Closed to Public)

Feb. 14 v Colorado Rapids  - Orlando, Florida (Open ONLY to Season Ticket Members)

Philadelphia Union

Games TBA

Toronto FC

(In Spain) - Games TBA

Western Conference Teams Preseason Schedules

Austin FC

Jan. 24 v San Antonio FC (USLC)  - Austin, TX (Closed to Public)

Jan. 28 v Louisville City FC (USLC) - Austin, TX (Closed to Public)

Feb. 1 v New York City FC - Austin, TX (Open ONLY to Season Ticket Holders)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v St. Louis City SC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v Chicago Fire FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v Sporting Kansas City - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Colorado Rapids

Jan. 23 v Nashville SC - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Jan. 29 v TBD - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Feb. 7 v Columbus Crew - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

Feb. 14 v Orlando City SC - Palm Beach, Florida (Closed to Public)

FC Dallas

Jan. 21 v Portimonense S.C.- Portimão, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 26 v Brøndby IF - Loulé, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 30 v Real Salt Lake - Albufeira, Portugal (Open to Public)

(In Torneo de Tejas)

Feb. 7 v Red Bull New York - Frisco, TX (Open ONLY to Season Ticket Holders)

Feb. 11 v Houston Dynamo FC - Frisco, TX (Closed to Fans & Media)
Feb. 11 v Atlanta United FC - Frisco, TX (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 14 v Atlanta United FC - Frisco, TX (Open ONLY to Season Ticket Holders)

Houston Dynamo FC

Jan. 28 v FC Cincinnati - Tampa, FL (Closed to Public)

Jan. 31 v New England Revolution - St. Petersburg, FL (Closed to Public)

Feb. 4 v San Antonio FC (USLC) - Houston, TX (Closed to Public)

(Torneo De Tejas)

Feb. 7 v Atlanta United FC - Houston, TX (Closed to Public)

Feb. 11 v FC Dallas - Frisco, TX (Closed to FA)

Feb. 14 v Red Bull New York - Houston, TX (Closed to Public)

Los Angeles FC

Jan. 28 v Portland Timbers - Los Angeles, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 1 v Austin FC - Austin, TX (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 4 v Los Angeles FC - Los Angeles, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 8 v New York City FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb.11 v Sporting Kansas City - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v San Jose Earthquakes - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Los Angeles Galaxy

Jan. 23 v Portland Timbers  - Carson, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 8 v Chicago Fire FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v St. Louis City SC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 13 v Los Angeles Galaxy - Palm Springs, CA (Open to Public)

Minnesota United FC

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v Sporting Kansas City - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v D.C. United - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v Charlotte FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Portland Timbers

Jan. 23 v LA Galaxy - Carson, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 28 v LAFC - Los Angeles, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 4 v St. Louis City SC - Indio, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v D.C. United - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v San Jose Earthquakes - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v Chicago Fire FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Real Salt Lake

Jan. 22 v Randers FC - Lagos, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 26 v Brøndby IF - Algarve, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 30 v Charlotte FC - Albufeira, Portugal (Open to Public)

Jan. 30 v FC Dallas - Albufeira, Portugal (Open to Public)

Feb. 6 v Orange County SC (USLC) - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 13 v Los Angeles Galaxy - Palm Springs, CA (Open to Public)

St. Louis City SC

Jan. 24 v Red Bull New York - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 28 v Tampa Bay Rowdies (USLC) - Bradenton, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 4 v Portland Timbers - Indio, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v Austin FC  - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v Los Angeles Galaxy  - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v D.C. United  - Indio, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

San Diego FC

Jan. 24 v San Jose Earthquakes - San Diego, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

San Jose Earthquakes

Jan. 24 v San Diego FC - San Diego, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 31 v Monterey Bay FC (USL) - San Jose, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

Feb. 4 v Los Angeles FC - Los Angeles, CA (Closed to Fans & Media)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v Charlotte FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v Portland Timbers - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v New York City FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Seattle Sounders

Games TBA

Sporting Kansas City

Jan. 17 v Florida International University - Palm Beach, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 24 v Chicago Fire FC - Palm Beach, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

Jan. 31 v Charlotte FC - Palm Beach, FL (Closed to Fans & Media)

(Coachella Valley Invitational)

Feb. 7 v Minnesota United FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 11 v New York City FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Feb. 14 v Austin FC - Indio, CA (Open to Public)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Games TBA

Thursday, January 8th (8pm ET) was the deadline for arbitration-eligible players and teams to agree on a 2025 contract before exchanging salary figures.

Most of the 211 eligible players who were tendered a contract this offseason agreed to terms before the deadline but 18 did not and subsequently exchanged salaries ahead of planned arbitration hearings.

RELATED:  2026 Arbitration Salary Tracker

18 Arbitration Filings:

DET - Tarik Skubal (SP)
Player Filed:  $32M / Team Filed: $19M
Spread: $13M / Midpoint: $25.5M

HOU - Isaac Paredes (3B)
Player Filed:  $9.95M / Team Filed: $8.75M
Spread: $1.2M / Midpoint: $9.35M

MIL - William Contreras (C)
Player Filed:  $9.9M / Team Filed: $8.55M
Spread: $1.35M / Midpoint: $9.225M

CIN - Tyler Stephenson (C)
Player Filed:  $6.8M / Team Filed: $6.55M
Spread: $250k / Midpoint: $6.675M

MIN - Joe Ryan (SP)
Player Filed:  $6.35M / Team Filed: $5.85M
Spread: $500k / Midpoint: $6.1M

KC - Kris Bubic (SP)
Player Filed:  $6.15M / Team Filed: $5.15M
Spread: $1M / Midpoint: $5.65M

TOR - Eric Lauer (SP)
Player Filed:  $5.75M / Team Filed: $4.4M
Spread: $1.35M / Midpoint: $5.075M

KC - Vinnie Pasquantino (1B)
Player Filed:  $4.5M / Team Filed: $4M
Spread: $500k / Midpoint: $4.25M

HOU - Yainer Diaz (C)
Player Filed:  $4.5M / Team Filed: $3M
Spread: $1.5M / Midpoint: $3.75M

BAL - Kyle Bradish (SP)
Player Filed:  $3.55M / Team Filed: $2.875M
Spread: $675k / Midpoint: $3.2125M

BAL - Keegan Akin (RP)
Player Filed:  $3.375M / Team Filed: $2.975M
Spread: $400k / Midpoint: $3.175M

LAA - Reid Detmers (SP)
Player Filed:  $2.925M / Team Filed: $2.625M
Spread: $300k / Midpoint: $2.775M

SEA - Bryce Miller (SP)
Player Filed:  $2.625M / Team Filed: $2.25M
Spread: $375k / Midpoint: $2.4375M

ATL - Dylan Lee (RP)
Player Filed:  $2.2M / Team Filed: $2M
Spread: $200k / Midpoint: $2.1M

MIA - Calvin Faucher (RP)
Player Filed:  $2.05M / Team Filed: $1.8M
Spread: $250k / Midpoint: $1.925M

CIN - Graham Ashcraft (RP)
Player Filed:  $1.75M / Team Filed: $1.25M
Spread: $500k / Midpoint: $1.5M

TB - Edwin Uceta (RP)
Player Filed:  $1.525M / Team Filed: $1.2M
Spread: $325k / Midpoint: $1.3625M

WSH - Cade Cavalli (SP)
Player Filed:  $900k / Team Filed: $825k
Spread: $75k / Midpoint: $862.5k

With a week until players start reporting for preseason, it’s the perfect time to see how the Boston Legacy and Denver Summit are doing with their roster building — especially considering they are the first expansion clubs who will have to build out their roster without any type of Expansion Draft. 

In order to offset the lack of Expansion Draft, the NWSL allowed the clubs to receive a number of assets in both 2025 and 2026

• Each team has access to $1,065,000 in allocation money to begin spending on July 1, 2025, with 50 percent of funds provided by the league. Teams have until Dec 12, 2027 to utilize all funded allocation money (if the league salary cap increases, available allocation money will be increased pro rata)

• Each team will spend against a $605,000 transfer fee threshold in 2026 (same as other teams), but will have an additional $968,000 valid from January 1, 2025, through the conclusion of the 2026 secondary transfer window

As a reminder, when preseason starts, teams are able to have 40 players in camp, but midway through they need to drop down to 32, and then need to be in the 22-26 player range by the time that the final roster is due ahead of the regular season opener in March. 

Boston has been leading the charge of signings and actually as of January 8th, had 22 players signed, making them technically roster compliant. Denver is a bit behind with only 11 right now — which does align with the fact that their sporting decisions (GM, Head Coach) were also lagging behind Boston. *It would not be surprising if there were a good number of player announcements coming from Denver in the next week. 

Both clubs have been mostly utilizing signing free agents (whether within the NWSL or outside) and are not obviously utilizing the extra cash they have for the net transfer fee. As a reminder, transfer fees paid between teams only need to be disclosed between two NWSL clubs, and as a rule are not reported in external transfers. 

Additionally, both teams will start with seven international spots, and can trade for more, but are allowed to have more than their allocated number until the final roster compliance date. At the moment, Boston has five in use, while Denver only has one.