The 2022 MLS roster rules centered around a $4,900,000 salary budget per team, which was a significant increase from previous years. Each team was allowed a maximum of 30 players on their roster, with specific allocation rules for different player categories including designated players, international slots, and homegrown players.
The $4,900,000 salary budget was distributed through various mechanisms including General Allocation Money (GAM) and Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). Teams could use up to three designated players whose salaries above $612,500 did not count against the salary budget. Additionally, teams received allocation money to help manage player acquisitions and contract negotiations within the budget constraints.
Roster composition rules required teams to have a minimum of 18 players and maximum of 30 players, with specific requirements for domestic vs. international players. Teams were allowed up to 8 international player slots, though additional slots could be acquired through trades. The homegrown player rule allowed teams to sign players from their youth academies without using international slots, providing a pathway for domestic talent development within the salary budget framework.