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In Nashville SC’s most #HotTimWinter move of the half-day trade window, Mike Jacobs has swapped out two international slots to expansion side Charlotte FC in exchange for a new record in allocation money for such slots:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 12, 2021) – Nashville Soccer Club announced today it has traded two international spots to Charlotte FC for $500k in General Allocation Money.
Additionally, Nashville SC reserves the right to swap 1st Round picks with Charlotte FC in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
Nashville SC release
The GAM cost of international slots has been escalating over time, going from $50k-75k in the 2017 season to a fairly consistent $175k this preseason/season (with fluctuations based on individual teams’ urgency in acquiring a slot). NSC sold a pair for $175k a pop to Vancouver and Cincinnati last offseason. The price was $225k when Colorado sold one to Atlanta and Portland sold one to Cincinnati in preseason (Cincinnati sold it back to Portland in July because that club is run by the stupidest people on the planet). Getting $250k a pop plus a one-way option to get a better SuperDraft slot in a couple years is a further escalation. Obviously, there’s only so much value in draft positioning #InTodaysMLS, but it’s fair to project Nashville to finish ahead of Charlotte in the Supporters Shield table next season, so moving up the list certainly doesn’t hurt, particularly when it comes for free-ish (and isn’t required if NSC slumps in 2022 and wants to keep its natural first-round selection).
As noted in the half-day window preview, NSC has very little need for international slots at this point (can unload a couple more without being particularly close to exhausting them, in fact). The club is built in such a way – with MLS veterans and young Americans/Canadians – that doesn’t necessitate a whole boatload of international slots. While I would expect NSC to make international signings this Summer, or possibly even before the season begins, it may very well be possible to find an easy mark like FC Cincinnati was for Portland last year, rent out a spot, and get even more GAM without much lost in the process.
For now, accumulating a very valuable resource (GAM) in exchange for a resource NSC has limited need for (two of its eight international slots) is a major win.
Club and Country 