2026 General MLS Transfer Thread

[ZYanksRule]

The official commentary says the rule is designed to provide both players and clubs stability and an ability to plan over a full season. A partial year with club option undermines the player protection aspect of the rule. A player option would do the reverse.

I imagine a player can waive his right to that -- sounds like the half-year option was the player's idea, so if he waived his right it would be legal.

 

[mgarbowski]

I imagine a player can waive his right to that -- sounds like the half-year option was the player's idea, so if he waived his right it would be legal.

Labor protections that can be waived are weak.

Club to 34 year old journeyman desperate for work:
- We're offering you a contract for the first half of the season
- That's not legal. You have to offer me a full season.
- Waive your right to a full season. Take it or leave it.

Same true for the other direction. What's the point of having the rule if it can be waived?