Major League Soccer today announced updated Primary and Secondary Transfer Window dates for the 2026 season, along with several amendments to the Roster Rules and Regulations.
The Primary Window will open on January 26 and close on March 26, while the Secondary Window will open on July 13 and close on September 2.
Previously, the primary window was set to open on Friday, January 23.
With the Secondary Window extending into the month of September for the first time in two decades (excluding the COVID-adjusted 2020 season), the conclusion of the MLS window will align with top leagues from around the world, giving MLS teams a greater opportunity to acquire high-quality international talent in their run to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
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MLS also publicized the dates for Roster Compliance (Friday, February 20 at 8 p.m. ET) and Roster Freeze (Friday, October 9) during the 2026 regular season.
MLS also announced amendments to the 2026 Roster Rules and Regulations that are now in effect for clubs.
Cash Trades limits removed
One of the biggest new rules in place for the upcoming season sees the elimination of limitations on the number of Cash for Player Trades a club can make each season.
This should unlock a bigger trade market within MLS.
Along with unlimited Cashfers, Designated Players acquired via Cash for Player Trades in the Secondary Transfer Window may be added at the mid-season Designated Player Salary Budget Charge.
No age limits on intraleague loans
Loaning players within the league always came with an age limitation. That is no more, as the league eliminated the age restrictions and limitations on the number of Intraleague Loans a club can make each season.
Deadlines for domestic vs international player
The league has also removed the deadline for a player to be considered a domestic player for a season instead of an international player.
Other rule changes include:
- Clubs may agree that an International Roster Slot traded within or prior to the Primary Transfer Window will return to the original club on a specific date within the Secondary Transfer Window. These agreements must be definitive.
- Players who have appeared on a gameday roster are eligible to be placed in Supplemental Slot 31 as long as they meet the other Slot 31 requirements.
