The Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs are just kicking off, but it's not too soon to plan ahead for another hectic offseason.
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.
2016-17 Offseason Calendar
<strong>Sunday, Dec. 11</strong> |
Half-Day Trade Window (9 am - 12 pm ET)<br><br>
No trades involving players will be permitted after 12 pm ET up until the conclusion of the Expansion Draft |
<strong>Monday, Dec. 12</strong> |
Expansion Draft Protected Player list and eligible Free Agents list released |
<strong>Tuesday, Dec. 13</strong> |
Expansion Draft (2 pm ET)<br><br>
Beginning at 5 pm ET, Free Agents may engage in negotiations with all MLS clubs |
<strong>Wednesday, Dec. 14</strong> |
List of players eligible for selection in the Waiver Draft released |
<strong>Thursday, Dec. 15</strong> |
Waiver Draft (2 pm ET)<br><br>
Beginning at 5 pm ET, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry Draft eligible players (player-trade blackout window)<br><br>
List of players available in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft released |
<strong>Friday, Dec. 16</strong> |
Re-Entry Draft - Stage 1 (3 pm ET) |
<strong>Wednesday, Dec. 21</strong> |
Starting at 11 am ET, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry Draft eligible players (player-trade blackout window)<br><br>
List of available players in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft released |
<strong>Thursday, Dec. 22</strong> |
Re-Entry Draft - Stage 2 (3 pm ET) |
<strong>Jan. 7-12, 2017</strong> |
2017 adidas MLS Player Combine |
<strong>Friday, Jan. 13, 2017</strong> |
2017 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas |
<strong>Monday, Jan. 23, 2017</strong> |
2017 MLS preseason begins |
