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What is a designated player in MLS?
October 28, 2008 | Halftime Report | Add a comment
A designated player in Major League Soccer (MLS) is a star international player that is an exception to the salary cap rule. David Beckham is the first and most well known designated player in the MLS. The designated player rule allows MLS teams to sign an international player and only part of the player’s salary would count against the team’s salary cap.
The rule was adopted as part of the salary cap regulations for the 2007 season. It allows U.S. and Canadian teams to compete for star players in the international soccer market. $400,000 of a designated player’s salary is charged to the team’s salary cap. Any remaining salary is then the responsibility of the individual owner, and not counted against the cap.
Each team is allowed one designated player, but teams can obtain a second through trading. And therefore teams are allowed a maximum of two designated players. Only $325,000 of a team’s second designated player will count against the salary cap. Currently, the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United are the only teams that have two designated players.
