The 2022 MLS roster rules established a salary budget of $4.9 million per team, with specific regulations governing player acquisitions and squad composition. Each team was allowed a maximum of 30 players on their roster, with 20-28 players eligible for regular season matches.
The roster rules included three Designated Player slots, allowing teams to sign high-profile players whose salaries exceeded the maximum budget charge. Teams could also utilize Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and General Allocation Money (GAM) to buy down player salaries and create additional roster flexibility.
Additionally, the 2022 regulations maintained the U-22 Initiative, which allowed teams to sign up to three players aged 22 or younger as non-Designated Players, even if their salaries exceeded the maximum budget charge. The Homegrown Player rule continued to provide roster and salary cap relief for players developed through club academies.