The MLS re-entry draft is a two-stage process for players who are out of contract but do not meet the service-time requirements for unrestricted free agency (5+ years). In Stage 1, the players current team has the right to re-sign them. In Stage 2, all MLS teams can select available players.
The re-entry process is one of the mechanisms that limits player movement in MLS compared to other soccer leagues worldwide. Players selected in the re-entry draft must be offered at least the same salary as their previous contract.