The five months between now and March 21, 2020 -- when the Chicago Fire begin a new era at Soldier Field against Atlanta United FC -- won't be without action.
On Thursday, Major League Soccer revealed its key upcoming offseason dates. Fire fans will notice the Nov. 1 on-sale date for 2020 season tickets. Stay close to Chicago Fire channels for full timing and details as the date gets closer.
The league calendar starts with a 55-hour window starting at 12 pm CT on Nov. 11 in which teams may sign and trade players. Other important dates include the MLS Expansion Draft on Nov. 19, which you will be able to watch on MLSsoccer.com and the MLS mobile app, the deadline for clubs to exercise options on players on Nov. 21, and the opening of free agency on Nov. 25.
Check out all the details below:
| 2019 MLS Offseason Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Nov. 1 TBA | 2020 Chicago Fire Season Tickets on sale Place a deposit now. |
| Nov. 11-13 12:00 PM CT | Trade Window Opens Following a 10-week roster freeze, MLS clubs may sign and trade players. |
| Nov. 13 7:00 PM CT | Trade Window Closes and Blackout Period Begins Blackout Period begins whereby clubs may no longer sign and/or trade players until conclusion of 2019 Expansion Draft. |
| Nov. 14 | Club Deadline to submit Bona Fide Offers MLS clubs notify the League Office in writing of players who have been extended a bona fide offer. |
| Nov. 19 4:00 PM CT | 2019 MLS Expansion Draft Watch live in the MLS app or on MLSsoccer.com. Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC may select up to five players each from the eligible player list. The list of players eligible for selection in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft will be released on Nov. 16 at 9:00 AM CT. Expansion Draft Rules |
| Nov. 21 12:00 PM CT | Club Deadline to Exercise Options MLS clubs notify the League Office in writing of players whose options they are exercising. |
| Nov. 25 2:00 PM CT | End-of-Year Waivers The End-of-Year Waivers process is conducted in reverse order of 2019 season finish, taking into account postseason performance. Per the Expansion Priority Draft, Nashville SC will have the 25th pick and Inter Miami CF will have the final selection in each round. Eligible for selection are players who do not meet the minimum requirements for Re-Entry Process or Free Agency. The list of players eligible for the End-of-Year Waivers will be released on Nov. 22 End-of-Year Waivers Rules |
| Nov. 25 2:00 PM CT | Free Agency Opens Clubs may engage with players, other than their own, that are eligible for Free Agency. Free Agency eligible players are out-of-contract and option-declined players who are at least 28 years old and who have completed a minimum of eight service years. The complete list of Free Agents will be released on Nov. 22. |
| Nov. 26 2:00 PM CT | 2019 MLS Re-Entry Process – Stage 1 The Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 is conducted in the same format as Stage 1 and consists of MLS players who were not selected in the Stage 1. Not all unselected Stage 1 players will be available for selection as players may re-sign with their previous club between stages or may opt out of the process. The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 1 will be released on Nov. 22. MLS Re-Entry Process Rules |
| Dec. 3 2:00 PM CT | 2019 MLS Re-Entry Process – Stage 2 The Re-Entry Process is conducted in reverse order of 2019 season finish, taking into account postseason performance. Per the Expansion Priority Draft, Nashville SC will have the 25th pick and Inter Miami CF will have the final selection in each round. The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 2 will be released on Nov. 3 at 9:00 AM CT. MLS Re-Entry Process Rules |
