SDFC will grow its roster with 2024 MLS Expansion Draft
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San Diego FC is looking to pick up a handful of players from around the MLS in the expansion draft Wednesday.
Why it matters: As the league's newest team, this draft is a unique opportunity for the club to build its roster ahead of its 2025 inaugural season, which kicks off in February.
How it works: San Diego FC can select up to five eligible players from other teams, but only one from a single team, according to MLS rules.
- The pool is deeper than ever with 29 teams in the league, each having up to 30 players on the roster.
- Teams can protect 12 players from their 2024 senior and supplemental rosters, with some stipulations. The list of eligible players that San Diego can take will be released Tuesday.
- SDFC has three minutes to make each selection; unlike a normal draft, no trades are permitted.
Follow the money: Clubs losing a player will receive an extra $50,000 to spend on player salaries.
What they're saying: "We fully expect there's going to be some very good players [available]," SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps told MLSsoccer.com.
- "I've had many conversations with clubs around the league, and you can see some that are panicking and some that are quite calm in it, just because they know what they're going to have to potentially leave unprotected," he said.
State of play: San Diego FC is shaping up to be a flexible, youth-focused club with its residential development academy and six players already signed.
- So far, the official roster includes local goalkeeper Duran Ferree, Marcus Ingvartsen, Paddy McNair, Alex Mighten, Jeppe Tverskov and Mexican star Hirving "Chucky" Lozano.
- Lozano is the face of the club and its first designated player, meaning his pay isn't bound by the league's salary cap.
- Belgian standout Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly in the mix as a potential designated player, as his contract is expiring with Premier League club Manchester City.
Driving the news: SDFC is hosting a live show at its retail shop Eighteen Threads at the Mission Valley Mall on Wednesday at 7:30pm. Some fans who RSVP will announce the picks.
- Doors open at 5:30pm with entertainment by DJ Beto Perez and Novo Brewing offering free beers nearby.
- Heaps and head coach Mikey Varas will do a Q&A session at 6:30pm.
- The show will also be broadcast live on SanDiegoFC.com and FOX5 with expert analysts.
What's next: After the expansion draft, free agency opens, and SDFC has the first pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft on Dec. 20 — which is mostly college players.
- The MLS transfer window will stay open into the regular season.
What we're watching: How San Diego FC's roster and staff shape up before its season opener against the L.A. Galaxy on Feb. 22 or 23.
- San Diego's first home match will be March 1 against St. Louis City SC at Snapdragon Stadium.