MLS Announces Rule Changes Effective Immediately

The second change allows teams that sell non-DP players to convert up to $3 million of their earned revenue into GAM. Previously, clubs could convert up to $1,215,506. This could be important for Atlanta United as it is set to sell Caleb Wiley to Chelsea for $11 million. The club could convert some of that fee into GAM and spread that money across the roster, or use it to purchase a DP at the Targeted Allocation Money level. The club cannot purchase Gregersen this season. Bartosz Slisz will replace Gregersen as the DP at the TAM level next season. The club could use some of the money from Wiley’s sale to buy out his contract and open up a DP slot.

One of the rule changes that was proposed, but not approved, was for each club to get two contract buyouts instead of the existing one.

In a league statement, MLS said the rule changes have been under consideration since early 2023 and were studied by the league’s Sports and Competitions Committee, as well as feedback from 25,000 soccer fans who were surveyed. The league said it is considering additional changes.

“The new roster rules allow clubs to sign more world-class players and emerging stars, while providing significant flexibility to invest across the entire roster,” Todd Durbin, MLS executive vice president of strategy and player relations, said in a league statement. “We have a unique opportunity with the World Cup coming up in two years. These changes, along with others being discussed for implementation in 2025 and beyond, will allow our league to grow and increase fan engagement around the world.”

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Atlanta United 2024 Schedule

February 24 Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0

March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1

March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0

March 23 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0

March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0

April 6 Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1

April 14 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2

April 20 Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1

April 27 Atlanta United 1, Chicago 1

May 4 Minnesota 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte Independence 0 in US Open Cup

May 11 DC United 3, Atlanta United 2

May 15 Cincinnati 1, Atlanta United 0

May 18 Atlanta United 1, Nashville 1

May 21 Atlanta United 0 (5), Charleston 0 (4) in US Open Cup

May 25 LAFC 1, Atlanta United 0

May 29 Atlanta United 3, Miami 1

June 2 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 2

June 15 Atlanta United 2, Houston 2

June 19 Atlanta United 1, DC United 0

June 22 Atlanta United 1, St. Louis 1

June 29 Atlanta United 2, Toronto 1

July 3 New England 2, Atlanta United 1

July 6 Real Salt Lake 5, Atlanta United 2

July 9 vs. Indy Eleven 2, Atlanta United 1

July 13 Montreal 1, Atlanta United 0

July 17 Atlanta United 2, NYCFC 2

July 20 vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

July 26 vs. DC United in Leagues Cup, 7:30 p.m.

August 4 against Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup, 4 p.m.

August 24 at LA Galaxy, 10:30 p.m.

August 31 in Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.

September 14 vs. Nashville, 7:30 p.m.

September 18 vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m.

September 21 at Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

September 28 in Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

October 2 vs. Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

October 5 vs. Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

October 19 in Orlando, 6 p.m.