A key roster rule change in MLS is "in the works" and is expected to "go into effect this summer," with the league planning to decouple designated player (DP) spots and U-22 initiative slots, according to sources cited by Tom Bogert of THE ATHLETIC. Currently for an MLS club to use all three U-22 initiative slots, they cannot have three senior, over-max-budget DPs. Under the expected change, clubs will "have access to all three U-22 initiative slots, no matter how they strategize their DP spots." The change is "significant" because these two mechanisms are currently the "two biggest avenues for discretionary investment by MLS teams." Sources said that this change (and other discussed changes that could come this summer as well) are "not replacing bigger, more sizable discussions to continue overhauling the roster rules this winter." The rule change has not yet been officially passed by MLS owners, but "is expected to" and could "have massive implications for ambitious spending clubs." While only four of 29 teams are using all three DP spots in a way that allows for just one U-22 player, it "essentially opens another spot for heavy investment for other teams as well." The potential rule change "was discussed in league and ownership circles" this winter, but ultimately "was not voted on" by the MLS BOG at their meetings in December. Some owners on the newly-renamed sporting and competition committee, however, "continued to push for this change midseason rather than waiting for the 2025 campaign" (THE ATHLETIC, 3/13).
