The 2022 MLS season featured a salary budget (cap) of $4,900,000 per team, which was a significant increase from previous years. This budget governed how teams could construct their rosters under Major League Soccer's unique salary structure.
Under the 2022 roster rules with the $4,900,000 budget, teams could carry 28-30 players on their roster, with specific allocation rules for different player categories. The salary budget applied to the top 20 highest-paid players on each roster, while players 21-28 had minimal budget charges. Teams also had access to additional roster mechanisms including three Designated Player slots (whose salaries above $612,500 didn't count against the budget), Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), and General Allocation Money (GAM) to further enhance their rosters.
The $4,900,000 figure represented the baseline budget that all teams received, though they could exceed this amount through various allocation money mechanisms and trading. This system allowed for competitive balance while giving teams flexibility to invest in star players through the Designated Player rule and strategic use of allocation funds.