How do players get drafted to the MLS

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MLS has emerged as one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada, attracting top talent from around the globe. A crucial aspect of this growth is the draft process, which allows clubs to acquire and develop new players, shaping the future of the league. This article will provide an in-depth look at the MLS draft process, delving into its history, structure, and impact on player development and the league as a whole.

Background

Before diving into the intricacies of the MLS draft process, it’s essential to understand the historical context and the development of the draft over the years. The MLS draft has undergone several changes since its inception, adjusting to the evolving landscape of professional soccer in the United States and Canada.

History of the MLS draft

The MLS draft, initially known as the College Draft, was first held in 1996, coinciding with the league’s debut season. The draft aimed to distribute collegiate soccer talent evenly among the league’s teams and promote competitive balance. Over the years, the draft’s format has evolved, with the introduction of the MLS SuperDraft in 2000, which combined the College Draft and the Supplemental Draft.

The draft has produced numerous notable players, many of whom have gone on to represent their national teams and even compete in European leagues. As Major League Soccer has grown in stature, the draft’s importance in sourcing and developing talent has become more significant.

Comparison to other professional sports leagues’ drafts

The MLS draft shares similarities with drafts in other professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL. The primary objective of these drafts is to maintain competitive balance by allowing teams with weaker records to have a higher chance of selecting top-tier talent. However, there are also differences in the draft process, reflecting the unique aspects of soccer player development and the global nature of the sport.

For instance, while drafts in other leagues primarily source talent from domestic college programs, the MLS draft includes both college and international players. Moreover, the MLS draft is only one of the several avenues through which teams acquire players, as the league’s clubs also rely heavily on homegrown talent, youth academies, and international transfers.

Evolution of the draft process over the years

As Major League Soccer has expanded, both in terms of the number of teams and its overall quality, the draft process has evolved to accommodate these changes. Initially, the draft focused primarily on collegiate talent, but it has since broadened to include players from youth academies, domestic lower divisions, and even international leagues.

One notable development is the introduction of the Homegrown Player Rule, which allows clubs to sign players from their own youth academies directly, bypassing the draft process. This rule has encouraged clubs to invest in their academies and build a pipeline of talent from the grassroots level.

Additionally, the MLS SuperDraft has adapted to the league’s growth, with the number of rounds fluctuating over the years. Currently, the SuperDraft consists of three rounds, while supplemental drafts, like the MLS Supplemental Draft and Re-Entry Draft, provide additional opportunities for players not selected in the primary event.

Overall, the MLS draft process has adapted to the ever-changing landscape of professional soccer in North America. As the league continues to grow, the draft will remain an essential component of player acquisition and development, ensuring that clubs have access to a diverse pool of talent to build their rosters.

The MLS Player Development Pathway

Understanding the various avenues through which players can enter Major League Soccer is crucial to comprehending the draft process. There are multiple pathways for players to develop and showcase their talents before being considered for the MLS draft or signing a professional contract.

College soccer programs

Role in player development

College soccer programs have long been a vital part of the player development pathway in the United States. Many players continue their soccer careers at universities and colleges after high school, where they receive education and compete at a high level under the guidance of experienced coaching staff. College soccer provides players with valuable experience and exposure, helping them develop the technical, tactical, and physical aspects of their game.

Relationship with MLS clubs

MLS clubs often scout college soccer players to identify potential draft prospects or future signings. The league has strong connections with college soccer programs, with many former college players and coaches making the transition to the professional game. Additionally, some MLS clubs have affiliations with college programs, providing players with opportunities for summer training and exhibition matches against professional opposition.

Youth academies and MLS Next

Importance of academy systems in developing talent

Youth academies have become an increasingly important aspect of player development in Major League Soccer. Academies provide players with an opportunity to receive high-quality coaching and education from an early age, while also competing against other top youth players. Many MLS clubs have invested heavily in their academy systems, hoping to nurture the next generation of homegrown talent.

In 2020, Major League Soccer launched MLS Next, a new youth development platform designed to transform youth soccer in North America. MLS Next provides a competitive environment for elite youth players, fostering their development and offering a clear pathway to professional soccer.

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Pathway from academies to professional contracts

Players who excel in youth academies and MLS Next can sign professional contracts with their MLS clubs through the Homegrown Player Rule. This rule enables clubs to bypass the draft process and directly sign players who have spent a minimum number of years in their youth academy. As a result, MLS clubs can retain the most promising talent from their academies and integrate them into the first team.

Other domestic and international leagues

USL Championship, USL League One, and NISA

Aside from college soccer and youth academies, players can also gain experience and exposure in lower-division domestic leagues such as the USL Championship, USL League One, and the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). These leagues provide players with an opportunity to develop their skills in a professional environment, and standout performers may attract the attention of MLS clubs.

Opportunities for players to gain experience and exposure

Some players may choose to begin their professional careers outside the United States, joining international clubs and competing in foreign leagues. These experiences can help players grow and develop in different soccer cultures and environments, which can ultimately prepare them for a potential move to Major League Soccer. MLS clubs often scout international leagues for undiscovered talent or players with untapped potential, which can lead to signings or draft selections.

The MLS SuperDraft

The MLS SuperDraft is a significant event in the player acquisition process for Major League Soccer clubs. It allows teams to select eligible college players and international talent to bolster their rosters and improve their squads for the upcoming season.

Purpose and structure

Annual event to distribute college and international talent

The MLS SuperDraft is held annually, typically in January, and serves as a platform for distributing collegiate and international talent among the league’s teams. The draft aims to promote competitive balance by giving clubs the opportunity to select top-tier talent based on their performance in the previous season.

Selection process and draft order

The draft order is determined by a combination of factors, including the clubs’ performance in the previous season, playoff performance, and any trades involving draft picks. The team with the weakest record in the previous season usually gets the first overall pick, while the MLS Cup champion typically picks last in each round.

The SuperDraft consists of three rounds, with each team having one pick per round. Teams can trade their draft picks or even pass on their turn if they decide not to select a player. The draft proceeds in a snake format, meaning the order reverses in each round.

Eligible players and declaration process

Criteria for eligibility

To be eligible for the MLS SuperDraft, players must meet specific criteria. Generally, eligible players include college seniors who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility, underclassmen who have signed Generation Adidas contracts, and international players who meet certain requirements.

Process for declaring for the draft

Players interested in entering the MLS SuperDraft must declare their intent to participate. College players can do this by submitting their information to the league, while international players may need to go through additional steps to meet eligibility requirements.

Pre-draft events

MLS Combine

Before the SuperDraft, the MLS Combine provides an opportunity for eligible players to showcase their abilities in front of MLS coaching staff and scouts. The Combine typically takes place a few days before the draft, featuring a series of physical tests, small-sided games, and full-field scrimmages. This event allows players to make a final impression on clubs and potentially improve their draft stock.

Showcasing player abilities and evaluations by clubs

During the MLS Combine and the lead-up to the SuperDraft, clubs evaluate players based on their performances, interviews, and physical assessments. This information helps clubs make informed decisions on which players to select during the draft, as they seek to identify prospects who will best fit their needs and contribute to their teams’ success.

The Homegrown Player Rule

The Homegrown Player Rule is a crucial aspect of player acquisition and development in Major League Soccer. It encourages clubs to invest in their youth academies and nurture talent from within their own systems.

Definition and purpose

The Homegrown Player Rule allows MLS clubs to sign players directly from their youth academies to professional contracts, bypassing the draft process. This rule aims to incentivize clubs to develop their own talent and foster a strong connection between the academy and the first team.

Requirements for becoming a homegrown player

To be eligible as a homegrown player, a prospect must meet specific criteria, including:

  1. Residing in the club’s home territory for at least one year.
  2. Participating in the club’s youth academy for a minimum number of training hours or days, as determined by the league.
  3. Not having played college soccer or signed with another professional team.

Impact on the draft and MLS player development

The Homegrown Player Rule has had a considerable impact on the draft process and the overall landscape of player development in MLS. As more clubs invest in their academies and sign homegrown players, the draft has adapted to accommodate the changing dynamics of talent acquisition.

By fostering a strong pipeline of homegrown talent, clubs can reduce their reliance on the draft to source new players. Furthermore, the growth of academies and the Homegrown Player Rule has led to an increased emphasis on player development at the grassroots level, ultimately benefiting the league’s overall quality and competitiveness.

The MLS Supplemental Draft and Re-Entry Draft

In addition to the SuperDraft, Major League Soccer features secondary drafts that provide further opportunities for players to join the league. These drafts cater to specific player categories and help distribute talent among the clubs.

Overview of these secondary drafts

  1. MLS Supplemental Draft: The Supplemental Draft, previously part of the SuperDraft, targets players who were not selected in the primary event. This draft allows clubs to acquire additional players who may have been overlooked or undervalued during the SuperDraft.
  2. MLS Re-Entry Draft: The Re-Entry Draft focuses on out-of-contract MLS players and those whose options were not exercised by their clubs. It provides these players with a chance to join a new team and continue their careers in the league.

Purpose and eligibility requirements

Both the Supplemental Draft and Re-Entry Draft serve as mechanisms to ensure that deserving players have an opportunity to compete in Major League Soccer. These drafts target specific player categories, with each having its own set of eligibility requirements.

Role in providing opportunities for players not selected in the SuperDraft

The Supplemental Draft and Re-Entry Draft play a crucial role in offering additional avenues for players who were not selected in the SuperDraft. These drafts ensure that talented players who may have been overlooked have a chance to prove themselves and contribute to the league’s growth and success.

Post-Draft Process

Contract negotiations

Once a player has been selected in the MLS draft, the next step in their journey is contract negotiations. These discussions focus on determining the specifics of a player’s contract, including salary, signing bonuses, and performance incentives.

MLS contracts and salary structures

The MLS has a unique salary structure compared to other professional sports leagues. The league operates under a salary cap, which means that each team has a limited budget to spend on player salaries. The salary cap ensures a level of competitive balance within the league, preventing teams with deeper pockets from dominating the competition.

Within the salary cap, there are various classifications of player contracts. These include Designated Players, who receive salaries above the cap and whose salaries are only partially counted towards the cap, and Generation Adidas players, who are young prospects signed to the league directly and do not count against the cap. The majority of draftees, however, will be offered contracts that fall within the league’s salary cap.

Signing bonuses and performance incentives

In addition to their base salaries, draftees may be offered signing bonuses as a part of their contracts. These one-time payments are meant to entice players to join the league and can vary in size. Performance incentives, on the other hand, are additional financial rewards tied to a player’s performance on the field. These incentives can include bonuses for goals scored, assists, or appearances, and serve to motivate players to excel on the field.

Integration into MLS clubs

Once a player’s contract has been negotiated and signed, they will begin the process of integrating into their new MLS club. This transition period includes preseason training, participation in competitions, and adapting to the professional level of play.

Preseason training and competitions

MLS clubs typically begin their preseason training in late January or early February, and draftees are expected to join their new teams promptly. Preseason training is an essential time for players to build fitness, establish relationships with their new teammates, and acclimate to the coaching staff’s tactics and style of play.

During the preseason, MLS clubs often participate in friendly matches and tournaments against other clubs, both domestic and international. These matches provide valuable opportunities for newly drafted players to gain experience playing alongside their new teammates and showcase their abilities to coaching staff and fans alike.

Adjusting to the professional level

Transitioning from college or youth soccer to the professional level can be a challenging process for newly drafted players. The pace of play, physicality, and tactical complexity in MLS are all heightened compared to lower levels of soccer. As a result, draftees must adapt quickly to their new environment.

To ease this transition, many MLS clubs offer resources to help their new players acclimate to professional soccer, such as access to nutritionists, sports psychologists, and professional development workshops. Additionally, some draftees may spend time with their club’s reserve team or be loaned to lower-division clubs to gain further experience and aid in their development.

Summary

The MLS draft process plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Major League Soccer by providing a structured means for clubs to identify and acquire new talent. As the league continues to grow and evolve, the draft system and player development pathways will likely adapt to meet the changing needs of clubs and players. By understanding this process, fans and aspiring players can gain a better appreciation for the work and dedication that goes into building a successful career in professional soccer.