$2,549,636 sounds like a lot of money ... until you realize we're talking about sports, and we're talking about something that is not quite money.
On Wednesday, Major League Soccer — continuing recent and refreshing trends of league-wide roster building transparency — released the General Allocation Money (GAM) totals from 2026, and Austin FC's amount, a shade over $2.5 million, is the lowest in the league.
Conversely, Minnesota United FC, which moved Tani Oluwaseyi last summer and have since shed Dayne St. Clair, Robin Lod, Joseph Rosales, and Hassani Dotson (plus head coach Eric Ramsay) currently leads the league with nearly $7.26 million in GAM.
"In addition to the Salary Budget and the six prime roster spots that feature unlimited spending on up to three Designated Players and up to four U22 Initiative Spots, General Allocation Money can be used to sign or retain top talent," the MLS release helpfully says.
It also lays out the baseline amount each club gets and how more GAM is attainable, in case you needed the reminder:
Along with the annual allotment of $3.28 million GAM provided to each team in 2026, clubs can acquire GAM in the following ways:
- Up to $3 million from eligible transfer revenue converted to GAM.
- Via trade with another MLS club.
- Qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
- Failing to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
- The 2025 third Designated Player charge distribution.
Clubs can also receive up to an additional $2 million in 2026 GAM along with a fourth U22 Initiative Roster Spot if they select the U22 Initiative Roster Construction Path. Roster Construction Path decisions must be submitted to MLS prior to the 2026 Roster Compliance Date and only after that date will a club receive the additional 2026 GAM.
So, what does this mean for Austin FC?
Let's first review what GAM is.
