SuperDraft in the MLS

What is the SuperDraft?

The MLS SuperDraft is an annual event in the Major League Soccer where teams select eligible players to join their rosters. The primary focus is college soccer players, but it can also include youth internationals and other eligible domestic players.

Before the draft, each MLS team creates a list of college players that they are most interested in potentially drafting. An eligible players pool of over 300 college athletes is compiled and verified by the league office, ensuring accuracy and removing any duplicates to create the final eligible player list.

Eligibility Criteria

• Players who are collegiate sophomores, juniors or above.
• Previously, only players who were collegiate seniors and above, along with Generation adidas signings, were eligible for selection.
• College players can still sign Generation adidas contracts (freshmen and above).

Draft Format

• Draft rounds: The 2025 MLS SuperDraft will consist of three rounds of player selection.
• Selection clock:

Round 1: Teams have four (4) minutes per selection

Rounds 2 and 3: Teams have three (3) minutes per selection.

• Intermission: A ten (10) minute break between Rounds 1 and 2.
• Timeouts: Each team gets one (1) timeout. Timeouts are three (3) minutes in duration. Selections must be made immediately following the timeout (no additional time given). More than two (2) timeouts cannot be used consecutively.
• Failure to make selection in designated time: Teams failing to pick in the allowed time must wait until the next selection is made. Their choice must immediately follow the next team’s pick.
• Trades: All trades must be verified and approved by the Commissioner and/or his designee. Trade announcements will not reveal the identity of players until those players have been contacted by their respective clubs. For example, Team A trades a “player to be named later” for Team B’s first selection.
• Team passing: If a team passes on a selection, it forfeits any further picks in the MLS SuperDraft 2025.

What is a Generation Adidas Contract?

Generation adidas (GA) is a joint program between adidas and MLS that identifies and develops top talent, including standout college players and youth national team members.

• GA player salaries do not count against an MLS team’s annual salary budget, providing an added incentive for that club to develop the player.
• Over time, GA players graduate to senior player contracts, at which point their salaries count toward the team’s budget.
• Importantly, a player must be nominated by an MLS team or teams, to be eligible for a GA contract.

2025 MLS SuperDraft Order

The draft order is determined in reverse order of the final standings from the previous MLS season, taking postseason performance into account. The 2025 draft will have San Diego FC, the league’s newest expansion team, hold the first selection in each round.

Key Date

The 2025 MLS SuperDraft: December 20^th.

Conclusion

The MLS SuperDraft bridges the gap between college soccer and professional opportunities. It provides MLS teams with a platform to build their rosters while offering young players a chance to showcase their talent and transition into professional soccer.