Key Offseason Dates Leading Into 2022

The countdown to the 2022 MLS season has officially begun for Atlanta United. The new season kicks off in February, but a lot of activity will take place league-wide before then. Preparations for 2022 have already begun, with the deadline to submit bona fide offers due last week to the league.

Here are some other important dates this offseason:

Nov. 30 – Deadline to exercise options

The due date for Atlanta United to submit to the league which players will have their options exercised and which players will not. Stay tuned to ATLUTD.com for the latest news.

Dec. 1 – MLS Defensive Player of the Year announcement

The Year-End Award winner for MLS Defensive Player of the Year will be announced. Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson was named one of three finalists along with Yeimar Gómez of Seattle Sounders FC and Walker Zimmerman of Nashville SC.

Dec. 12, 9 a.m. ET – Trade window opens

Atlanta United can begin adjusting the roster and conduct trades with other MLS clubs.

Dec. 12, 1 p.m. ET – Trade window closes

The half-day trade window closes. Atlanta United can no longer sign or trade any players until after the MLS Expansion Draft.

Dec. 13 – Free agent list released

The league releases lists of free agents, players eligible for waivers, players eligible for re-entry and players eligible for selection in the MLS Expansion Draft.

Dec. 14 – MLS Expansion Draft

Atlanta United’s new Eastern Conference opponent Charlotte FC will have the chance to select up to five players from the eligible player list. Watch the MLS Expansion Draft on MLSSoccer.com or the MLS mobile app.

Dec. 15 – End-of-Year Waivers and Free Agency begins

Atlanta United can begin discussions with free agents. The waiver process is conducted in reverse order of the 2021 season finish, including performance in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Players eligible for selection on waivers do not meet the requirements for Re-Entry or Free Agency.

Dec. 17, 1 p.m. ET – Re-Entry Process Stage 1

Atlanta United can select experienced MLS players who have not agreed to a new contract with their current club. The selection order is determined inversely of 2021 season finish and includes performance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET – Re-Entry Process Stage 2

Atlanta United can select experienced MLS players who have not agreed to a new contract with their current club but may want to stay in the league. Stage 2 consists of the same order with MLS players who were not selected in Stage 1.

Dec. 26 – Boxing Day

Atlanta United celebrates Boxing Day with its 8th annual Boxing Day Scarf Exchange. Bring a gently used scarf to one of our two pub partner locations and you’ll receive a brand-new 2021 Atlanta United Boxing Day scarf (while supplies last) as you watch the English Premier League on one of its biggest matchdays of the season. Click here for more info.

Jan. 11 – 2022 MLS SuperDraft

As the only expansion team in 2022, Charlotte FC has the No. 1 pick. Atlanta United’s order in the draft is determined by its regular season point total and reaching Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Mid-January – Preseason Workouts begin

Atlanta United players return to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground for head coach Gonzalo Pineda’s first preseason with the squad.

Jan. 26-Feb. 2 – World Cup Qualifiers Continue

The next stage of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches for Concacaf and Conmebol.

Feb. 27 – Atlanta United MLS Season Opener

Atlanta United opens the 2022 MLS regular season against Sporting Kansas City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and the match will be nationally broadcast.

Click here to view a our ticket package options.