NEW YORK – Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday key dates for the 2016-17 offseason, including the opening of the free agency window, Re-Entry Draft dates and the opening of the 2017 MLS preseason.
Notably, the MLS Player Combine and SuperDraft presented by adidas will take place in the same area for the first time in over a decade. The two events will unfold in Southern California in January, alongside the 2017 convention of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America at the Los Angeles Convention Center
More info on the timeline for the upcoming offseason, which officially begins following MLS Cup on Dec. 10, can be found below, with full MLS roster rules available here.
Whitecaps FC open their 2017 campaign vs. New York Red Bulls in the two-leg CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, beginning on the road on February 22 before hosting the Red Bulls at BC Place on March 2.
2016-17 Offseason Calendar
Sunday, Dec. 11
- Half-Day Trade Window from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. PT
- No trades involving players will be permitted after 9 a.m. PT up until the conclusion of the Expansion Draft
Monday, Dec. 12
- Expansion Draft Protected Player List and eligible Free Agents made public
Tuesday, Dec. 13
- Expansion Draft held at 11 a.m. PT
- Beginning at 2 p.m. PT, Free Agents may engage in negotiations with all MLS clubs.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
- List of players eligible for selection in the Waiver Draft made public
Thursday, Dec. 15
- Waiver Draft held at 11 a.m. PT
- Beginning at 2 p.m. PT, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry eligible players (player-trade blackout window)
- List of players available in Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft made public
Friday, Dec. 16
- Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft held at 12 p.m. PT
Wednesday, Dec. 21
- Starting at 8 a.m. PT, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry eligible players (player-trade blackout window)
- List of available players in Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft made public
Thursday, Dec. 22
- Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft held at 12 p.m. PT
January 7-12, 2017
- 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine
Friday, Jan. 13, 2017
- 2017 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas
Monday, Jan. 23, 2017
- 2017 MLS preseason begins
