The MLS salary budget for the 2022 season was $4.9 million per club. This amount represented the maximum total compensation that each Major League Soccer team could spend on their entire roster, including base salaries, bonuses, and other compensation for all players.
The $4.9 million salary budget was part of MLS's roster rules and regulations designed to maintain competitive balance across the league. Teams could exceed this budget through various mechanisms including Designated Player slots, which allowed clubs to sign up to three players whose salaries could exceed the budget limit, with only a portion counting against the cap.
This salary budget amount was significantly higher than previous years, reflecting MLS's continued growth and investment in player compensation. The league has consistently increased the salary budget over time as it has expanded and television revenue has grown.