What is the Homegrown Player rule?

The Homegrown Player rule allows teams to sign players developed in their academy directly to first-team contracts without going through the SuperDraft. These players also receive favorable salary cap treatment.

To be eligible, a player must have spent minimum time in the clubs academy (typically one year before age 18). Homegrown Players count as domestic players regardless of nationality, not occupying international roster slots. This incentivizes clubs to invest in academies.