2020 MLS Re-Entry Process: Rules & Procedure

2020 MLS Re-Entry Process: Rules & Procedure
The MLS Re-Entry process begins on Dec. 17, giving teams a chance to select experienced MLS players who have not agreed to a new contract with their current club but may want to stay in the league. Players can opt out of the Re-Entry Draft at any time prior to the respective drafts.
Key dates:

• Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process: Thursday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. ET
  
• Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process: Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. ET
  

The full list of players eligible for the Re-Entry Process, Stage 1 will be released on 
Dec. 14 by 12 p.m. ET
.
The complete list of eligible players for the Re-Entry Process, Stage 2 will be released on 
Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. ET
.
Key parameters:
Players who are eligible to be selected in the Re-Entry Draft include Players who are 
at least 22 years old
 and have a minimum of 
one year of MLS service 
who are out of contract and did not receive a Bona Fide Offer or whose contract options were not exercised by their clubs.
Re-Entry Process:
The Re-Entry Process will commence after MLS Cup.
Teams select in the 
reverse order of their finish during the 2020 season
, taking into account playoff performance. FC Cincinnati  will hold the first selection, the MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew SC will get the 26th pick, and expansion club Austin FC will have the 27th.
The draft takes place over two stages:
Stage 1:

• Clubs must exercise the option for, or extend a Bona Fide Offer to, all players selected in Stage One and may not select their own draft-eligible players. Players with option years left on their contract will automatically be added to the drafting club's roster.
  
• Should a player reject the Bona Fide Offer, the drafting club will hold the Right of First Refusal for that player in MLS.
  

Stage 2:

• All players who are not selected in Stage One of the Re-Entry Process will be made available again in Stage Two.
  
• If a player is selected, the drafting club will be required to make a genuine offer to the player within seven days.
  
• If an agreement cannot be reached between the drafting club and the player, the drafting club will hold the Right of First Refusal for that player in MLS.
  
• Clubs may not select their own draft-eligible players in Stage Two until all other Clubs have declined selecting such players. 
  

2020 Re-Entry Process Selection Order