2024 MLS SuperDraft: What to Expect and Who to Watch
The 2024 MLS SuperDraft is quickly approaching! The draft will be the 25th edition of the event and is scheduled to take place on December 19, 2023.
This year’s draft will see an expansion of the eligible player pool, allowing for younger college players to participate in the draft. The expansion was announced by MLS, and it is expected to open the door for many talented young players to join MLS clubs. The draft will consist of three rounds, and Toronto FC holds the top pick for the second time in club history.
Like any professional sports draft, the MLS SuperDraft is a crucial event for teams, and it can often be a make-or-break moment for players hoping to make it to the professional level.
There’s no doubt that the 2024 MLS SuperDraft promises to be an exciting event, and fans will be eager to see which players their teams select to join their rosters.
2024 MLS SuperDraft Overview
Eligibility Criteria (New)
The eligibility criteria for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft have been expanded, and the player pool has been increased.
Under the new rules, a player who is drafted by an MLS club and still has remaining college eligibility will have the option to return to school and further their development. However, they will not be eligible for future drafts. If a selected player chooses to go back to college, their SuperDraft Priority will be held by the drafting club for approximately two years following the SuperDraft, culminating on December 31 of the second year.
Draft Process
Consisting of three rounds, the draft order is set by taking the reverse order of the club standings at the end of each MLS season.
The team that finishes last in the MLS standings will have the first pick in the draft, and the team that wins the MLS Cup will have the last pick in the draft.
Top Players to Watch Out For
The 2024 MLS SuperDraft promises to be an exciting event, with some of the most talented young players in the country vying for a spot on an MLS team. Here are ten players that fans should watch out for during the draft:
- Marcus Calderia (Forward, West Virginia)
- Josh Jones (Defender, Louisville)
- Matthew Bell (Forward, Marshall)
- Papa Mar Boye (Defender, Clemson)
- Jefferson Amaya (Midfielder, High Point)
- Matthew Roou (Forward, Notre Dame)
- Jacob Murrell (Forward, Georgetown)
- Jason Shokalook (Forward, Akron)
- Alex Harris (Forward, Cornell)
- Zach Bohane (Midfielder, Stanford)
These players have all shown great potential in college soccer and could make an immediate impact in the MLS. Fans should keep an eye on them during the draft to see where they end up.
2024 Draft Order
As of December 1, 2023, the season is still playing out but here is the order as of today:
- Toronto FC
- Colorado Rapids
- Inter Miami CF
- LA Galaxy
- Austin FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- DC United
- New York City FC
- Minnesota United FC
- CF Montreal
- Portland Timbers
- Charlotte FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
- New York Red Bulls
- FC Dallas
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Nashville SC
- Real Salt Lake
- Atlanta United FC
- New England Revolution
- St. Louis City SC
- Sporting Kansas City
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Philadelphia Union
- Orlando City SC
Draft Impact on Teams and Players
Team Strategies
The 2024 MLS SuperDraft will have a significant impact on team strategies. Clubs will have to carefully evaluate their needs and strengths and decide which players to select to improve their roster.
Some teams may opt to trade their draft picks to acquire established players, while others may choose to draft players who fit their playing style and team culture.
The draft is an opportunity for teams to fill gaps in their roster, strengthen their bench, and develop young talent for the future.
In addition to homegrown talent, young players are being drafted and making an immediate impact on their teams. It’s great to see the influx of special players at the pro level in the United States.
Post-Draft Expectations
After the draft, teams will have to integrate their new players into their roster and develop them into successful professionals.
The success of the draft picks will depend on a variety of factors, including the player’s talent, work ethic, and fit with the team’s playing style and culture.
Some players may need time to adjust to the professional game, while others may make an immediate impact. This is especially true starting this year as younger players are able to get drafted.
At the end of the day, MLS teams will have to manage their players’ expectations and provide them with the necessary resources and support to succeed!
