The U22 Initiative, introduced in 2022, allows each MLS team to sign up to three players aged 22 or under on special roster spots that do not count against the salary cap (up to a certain salary threshold). This program was designed to incentivize clubs to acquire and develop young talent.
Players on U22 Initiative spots can earn up to a set salary threshold without occupying a senior roster spot or counting against the cap. If their salary exceeds the threshold, they move onto the senior roster as a regular cap charge. The initiative has been widely used by clubs to sign promising young players from South America, Africa, and other talent-rich regions, further improving the quality and youth of MLS rosters.