Major League Soccer player acquisition, movement, and compensation
official 2011 rules (avoid using this since the link will be dead next season)
Acquisition
editAllocation list
editTrades, transfers, and loans
editDiscuss transfer fees, transfer windows, trades and loans. In addition to players, draft positions (except for expansion draft) and allocation money can also be traded. rules (not a reliable source) Donovan transfer fees (not a reliable source)
Weighted lottery
editDiscovery
editrules (not a reliable source) explained (maybe a reliable source)
Waivers
editDrafts
editCollege draft
editSupplemental draft
editRe-entry draft
editMovement
editInternational players
editeight slots allowed as of 2007
Senior players
editDevelopmental players
editHome grown players
editExpansion draft
editCompensation
editSalary cap
editAllocation money
editAllocation money given for expansion status, not qualifying for the playoffs, and transfer fees. New in 2011: teams receive allocation money for qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League. some rules stated (page 4) $100,000 for group stage qualification
Designated players
editrule created in 2007 count $335,000 against the cap