2019 MLS Re-Entry Draft: Rules & Procedure

The MLS Re-Entry process begins on Nov. 26, giving teams a chance to select experienced MLS players who have not agreed to a new contract with their current club but may want to stay in the league. Players can opt out of the Re-Entry Draft at any time prior to the respective drafts.
Key dates:

• Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. CT
  
• Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft: Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. CT
  

The full list of players eligible for the Re-Entry Draft, Stage 1 will be released on
Nov. 22 by 11 p.m. CT
.
The complete list of eligible players for the Re-Entry Draft, Stage 2 will be released on
Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. CT
.

• Option Exercise Deadline on Nov. 21, 12 p.m. CT: All MLS clubs must notify the League Office in writing of players whose options they are exercising.  
  

Key parameters:
Players who are eligible to be selected in the Re-Entry Draft include:

• Players who are at least 23 years old and have a minimum of three years of MLS experience whose contract options were not exercised by their clubs. They will be available at their option salary for 2019.
  
• Players who are at least 25 years old with a minimum of four years of MLS experience who are out of contract and whose club does not wish to re-sign them at their previous salary. They are available for at least their 2019 salary.
  
• Free Agents that choose to participate.
  

Re-Entry Draft Process:
The Re-Entry Process will commence after 
MLS Cup
.
Teams select in the 
reverse order of their finish during the 2019 season
, taking into account playoff performance. FC Cincinnati will hold the first selection and the MLS Cup champion will get the 24th pick. Nashville SC will have the 25th pick, and Inter Miami CF will have the final selection.
The draft takes place over two stages:
Stage 1:

• Clubs must exercise the option for, or extend a Bona Fide Offer to, all players selected in Stage One and may not select their own draft-eligible players. Players with option years left on their contract will automatically be added to the drafting club's roster.
  
• Should a player reject the offer, the drafting club will hold the Right of First Refusal for that player in MLS.
  

Stage 2:

• All players who are not selected in Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft will be made available again in Stage Two.
  
• If a player is selected, the drafting club will be required to make a genuine offer to the player within seven days.
  
• If an agreement cannot be reached between the drafting club and the player, the drafting club will hold the Right of First Refusal for that player in MLS.
  
• Clubs may not select their own draft-eligible players in Stage Two until all other Clubs have declined selecting such players. 
  

2019 Re-Entry Process Selection Order