MLS expansion drafts do not have a direct financial cost per player selected — new teams can pick unprotected players from existing rosters without paying a transfer fee. However, the selecting team assumes the full salary obligation of any player they choose.
In an expansion draft, existing MLS teams protect a specified number of players (typically 12-15 from their senior roster), and the expansion team can select one unprotected player from each existing club. This process helps new teams build a competitive foundation while ensuring that established clubs retain their core players. The expansion draft has produced mixed results historically, with some expansion teams finding hidden gems and others acquiring mostly depth players.