Loosening Roster Restrictions in MLS: Inter Miami’s Big Spending Sparks Debate
In the wake of Inter Miami’s impressive 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semifinal, Union head coach Jim Curtin and captain Alejandro Bedoya have voiced their support for loosening roster restrictions in Major League Soccer (MLS). This comes as Inter Miami, after signing Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba this summer, has ignited fresh debate about the best strategic path forward for MLS. Owners like Miami’s Jorge Mas, Charlotte FC’s David Tepper, Portland Timbers’ Merritt Paulson, and more are advocating for increased spending to grow the league.
Curtin believes that the arrival of Messi will bring about significant changes in MLS. He stated, “I think the league rules are going to change. Him (Messi) coming here is going to change a ton, and it should. The training wheels are off.” Inter Miami utilized two of their three designated player (DP) slots to sign Messi and Busquets. Their third DP spot is occupied by Brazilian midfielder Gregore, a strategic choice that allows them to add three U-22 initiative signings but caps their third valuable slot. Additionally, Miami spent over $15 million on transfer fees to secure highly-rated South American youth internationals Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farias, and Diego Gomez.
Bedoya echoed Curtin’s sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact of increased spending on the league. He said, “Look, I think it’s great for the league. There’s no secret that money well-spent allows you to bring in more quality players, more quality depth.” However, not all owners have publicly expressed their support for loosening restrictions. Mas and other owners were vocal at the owner’s meetings around the MLS All-Star Game in Washington D.C., but lower-spending clubs who are likely to oppose significant changes did not voice their opinions publicly.
Curtin praised Inter Miami’s ownership for their willingness to invest heavily in the team. He stated, “Their ownership is going to spend like crazy and make them the best team in the league. They might already be one of the best teams in the league.” It is worth noting that Curtin and Bedoya’s remarks are particularly interesting because the Philadelphia Union does not stand to directly benefit from increased spending. The Union has been one of the lowest-spending clubs in terms of first-team talent, both in terms of salary and transfer fees.
Philly ranked 22nd in salary spend this year before the summer transfer window. Their club-record transfer fee is a mere $2.8 million. In contrast, Inter Miami spent more than $2.8 million on three different transfers this summer alone, none of which were designated players. If wealthier clubs are allowed to invest more, the Union would likely fall behind their rivals.
Bedoya acknowledged the impact that Miami’s spending has had on the league and expressed optimism about the future. He said, “We’ll see what happens in the offseason. Miami is pushing the envelope… It’s good for the league, it’s good for soccer in our country and our region. With the World Cup coming here, we find ourselves at an inflection point.” Curtin added, “That’s coming, and I don’t think anything is stopping that.”
The debate surrounding roster restrictions in MLS is gaining traction, fueled by Inter Miami’s ambitious spending. As owners like Mas, Tepper, Paulson, and others advocate for increased investment to grow the league, it remains to be seen whether MLS will adapt its rules to accommodate these demands. The arrival of global superstars like Messi has undoubtedly raised the profile of MLS, but striking a balance between financial freedom and maintaining competitive parity among clubs will be crucial for the league’s long-term success.