Designated Players (DPs) were introduced thanks to David Beckham, whose impact on the league is considered one of the most significant.
A team is allowed three DPs on the roster, which will enable them to pay these players whatever they want, as they don’t contribute to the salary cap. Teams build their rosters with standard MLS players, then fill in their biggest needs with DP players from Europe.
Like most years, there are teams with DPs who are happy with their choices, as a DP’s success could also mean team success.
Unfortunately for a lot of teams this year, that hasn’t been the case. Certain teams have to look back on their choices and ask themselves if DPs are truly worth it.
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What Teams Regret Their DP Selections
The team with the biggest regrets with their DP selections is Toronto FC, which recently dropped its two biggest DPs in recent memory.
Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi were coming off big performances from the 2020 Euros with tons of momentum in their club careers, as they were both either in or entering their 30s.
These two signings were viewed as game changers as Toronto was hoping this would turn their bad fortune into a string of playoff seasons and a run for the MLS Cup.
None of these came true for Canada’s largest city; they were forced to drop the two Italians who were not performing for Toronto as the team was losing games and failing to throw their hat into the ring of playoff contenders.
The Houston Dynamo have found themselves in a sticky situation with DPs who have underperformed and failed to deliver wins to a Houston team that was looking to change its fortunes around.
The Houston Dynamo have had a poor stretch of DPs over the years. Houston will now have to figure out what to do with their DP spots heading into next season.
Are DP Spots Still Worth the Investment?
The Short answer is yes, though there are league-wide examples of teams having a falling out with their DPs, there is still proof that these players are worth it.
Players like Evander and Denis Bouanga are living examples that DPs can be worth it if the team selects a player who is invested in the team they sign with.
We have seen in the past that a lot of DPs view the MLS as a relaxing stop before they retire. Other players have revived their careers and headed back to or, for the first time, going to Europe.
As long as this rule exists, teams throughout the league will continue to use it incorrectly, while the top teams in the league will use it correctly.
This rule allows teams to bring in big names that bring fans into the stadium and sell jerseys on game day. Owners will spend the money, sometimes wisely, while at other times it is unwisely.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date 24.07.2025