Union send 8 draft picks to Rapids for GAM cash

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th December, 12:12 2024

MLS: Leagues Cup-Third Place Match-Colorado Rapids at Philadelphia Union

Aug 25, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Olivier Mbaizo (15) shoots the ball against the Colorado Rapids during a penalty shootout in the Leagues Cup third place match at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

The Union and Rapids completed a trade Tuesday that will send all eight of Philadelphia's picks over the next three MLS SuperDrafts to Colorado for up to $600,000 in general allocation money.

Philadelphia is assured only $350,000 in GAM in exchange for its draft picks, however.

Colorado will receive Philadelphia's first (No. 8 overall) and third-round picks in 2025 MLS SuperDraft, as well as the Union's first-, second-, and third-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

Philadelphia will get the remaining $250,000 in GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met. The guaranteed $350,000 will be distributed over three years -- $125,000 each in 2025 and 2026, the remaining amount the following year.

The Union missed the MLS Cup playoffs in 2024 for the first time since 2017. The club fired head coach Jim Curtin after its 9-15-10 season (37 points).

The Rapids (15-14-5, 50 points) made the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the eventual champion LA Galaxy.

--Field Level Media