O-Town's 11
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Orlando City SC and Pride make their General Allocation Money moves

• City and Pride gather GAM

• Roster adjustments load teams for 2025

• These clubs are ready

ByChuck Wharton|
Nov 30, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; The starting eleven of Orlando City during the national anthem before the 2024 MLS Cup Eastern Conference Final match at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; The starting eleven of Orlando City during the national anthem before the 2024 MLS Cup Eastern Conference Final match at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando soccer clubs have been collecting significant General Allocation Money from other clubs as they gear up for the 2025 season.

Orlando City SC has banked $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from Real Salt Lake in exchange for goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar. He’s the netminder who filled in when Pedro Gallese was out for international duty.

He set a club record with 11 saves in June when the Lions beat the Chicago Fire 4-2. He went down for the season with a leg injury a week later.

Yet the $50,000 GAM could gain another $150,000 if certain performance metrics are met by the end of the 2028 MLS season. And Orlando City still gets a second-round 2026 SuperDraft pick from Real Salt Lake.

The Orlando Pride has also been bringing some General Allocation Money.

Orlando Prid
Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) hoists the championship trophy after defeating the Washington Spirit in the 2024 NWSL Championship match at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

Ironically, after defeating the Washington Spirit for the NWSL Championship, the Pride has collected $50,000 in GAM from the club. That money is in exchange for a 2025 roster spot.

The clubs next face off on March 7 for a rematch of the championship game.

 MLS intends that GAM be used to sign and retain top talent. In addition to the salary budget plus the six prime roster spots that feature unlimited spending on up to three Designated Players and up to four U-22 Initiative spots.

A U-22 Initiative Spot was used for recently signed winger Nicolas Rodriguez.

 For 2025, MLS has assigned each team an annual GAM allotment of $2.93 million. The only exception this season is the expansion club San Diego FC, which receives an additional $2.765 million for 2025.

In addition, clubs can acquire GAM through eligible transfer revenue, via trade with another club, by qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup, by failing to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup playoffs, by the 2024 third Designated Player charge distribution, and by having a player selected in the 2024 MLS expansion draft.

Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride haven’t stalled in taking advantage of the MLS GAM system or working on their roster. They’ve done well for the organizations and their supporters.

The 2025 season opens soon. The Lions and the Pride are ready.