From MLS Expanson Draft to free agency, catch up on what starts when
With the 2024 MLS Cup done and dusted and the trophy handed to the LA Galaxy, the full MLS offseason is now officially in full swing.
Here are some key dates to keep an eye on as the Portland Timbers navigate the next few weeks ahead of the 2025 preseason. First up, the MLS Expansion Draft returns with next year's addition of San Diego FC.
December 11
Wednesday
MLS Expansion Draft: San Diego FC may select up to five players from the eligible player list. SDFC will be livestreaming the draft beginning at 7:30pm PT.
December 11 - 14
Wednesday - Saturday
MLS College Showcase: The fifth edition of the MLS College Showcase will take place from Dec. 11-14 in San Diego. The closed-door event will give technical staffs from every MLS club an opportunity to scout top collegiate prospects in the nation, including players with remaining NCAA eligibility.
December 12
Thursday
Free Agency Opens (10am PT): Clubs may engage with players, other than their own, that are eligible for Free Agency.
Free Agency eligible players are out-of-contract and option-declined players who are at least 24 years old and who have completed a minimum of five service years.
MLS Communications will make the complete list of Free Agents available on Tuesday, December 10.
December 12
Thursday
End-of-Year Waivers (2pm PT): The End-of-Year Waivers process is conducted in reverse order of 2024 season finish, considering postseason performance. San Diego FC get the 30th pick, the final selection in each round.
Eligible for selection are players who do not meet the minimum requirements for Re-Entry Process or Free Agency.
The list of players eligible for the End-of-Year Waivers will be released by MLS Communications on Tuesday, December 10.
December 13
Friday
Re-Entry Process, Stage 1 (10am PT): The Re-Entry Process (Stage 1 and Stage 2) is conducted in reverse order of 2024 season finish, considering postseason performance.
Eligible Players include those who are at least 22 years old, have a minimum of one service year, and who are not eligible for Free Agency. An out-of-contract player who has received a bonafide offer from his current club will not be eligible for the Re-Entry Draft. LA will get the 29th pick, and San Diego FC will have the 30th.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 1 will be released by MLS Communications on Friday, Dec. 13.
December 19
Thursday
Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 (1 pm ET): The Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 is conducted in the same order as Stage 1 and consists of MLS players who were not selected in the Stage 1.
Not all unselected Stage 1 players will be available for selection as players may re-sign with their previous club between stages or may opt out of the process.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Process – Stage 2 will be released by MLS Communications on Thursday, December 19.
December 20
Friday
2025 MLS SuperDraft: The 2025 MLS SuperDraft will consist of three rounds of player selection. The MLS SuperDraft order is set by taking the reverse order of the club standings at the end of each MLS season, taking postseason performance into account, with San Diego FC holding the top selection in each round.
The Timbers currently have two picks: One in the First Round (No. 14 overall) and one in the Third Round (No. 74 overall).
