What is the Designated Player Rule?
Q: What is the Designated Player Rule?
A: The Designated Player Rule, also known as the Beckham Rule, allows Major League Soccer franchises to sign up to three players that would be considered outside their salary cap.
Q: When was the rule adopted?
A: The rule was adopted ahead of the 2007 MLS season.
Q: How do teams compete for star players in the international soccer market?
A: The Designated Player Rule enables teams to compete for star players in the international soccer market. It is one of two ways which MLS teams may exceed their salary cap, with the other being allocation money.
Q: How many designated players have there been in league history?
A: As of December 2019, there have been 209 Designated Players in league history.
Q: Who is David Beckham and why is this rule named after him?
A: David Beckham was the first player signed under this rule, signing a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy with a guaranteed annual salary of $6.5 million. Therefore, it has become known as the Beckham Rule.
Q: What are some other ways MLS teams can exceed their salary cap?
A: In addition to signing designated players, MLS teams can also use allocation money to exceed their salary cap.
