General Allocation Money, or GAM, is a versatile financial tool in MLS that teams can use for multiple purposes. It can reduce a player's salary budget charge, be traded between clubs, or be used in various roster transactions. Unlike TAM, GAM can be applied to any player's cap charge without restriction.
GAM is earned through several channels: the league distributes a base amount annually, teams earn it by selling players internationally, and it can be received in trades from other MLS clubs. GAM has become a crucial trading currency in MLS, with teams regularly exchanging GAM for players, draft picks, or other assets. Understanding how to accumulate and deploy GAM effectively is a key skill for MLS front offices.