In our second ‘This Time Next Year’ feature, we ask the question: What is the SuperDraft and how did it originate?
The MLS SuperDraft is an annual event that occurs in January each year. Beginning in 2000, the SuperDraft was intended to help struggling clubs with their shortcomings, allowing a competitive balance via a draft system.
The SuperDraft has 3 rounds, with picks equaling the amount of teams that are in the league. For example, the 2014 draft will have 19 picks in each round (19 teams), while 2015 will have 21 thanks to the addition of Orlando City and New York City FC.
So why is it important to the fans following their favorite club?
The SuperDraft is important because of the impact it has on each and every club. It provides struggling teams with a top pick in each round, making every selection of the SuperDraft exciting and engaging.
So while the 2014 SuperDraft is something to look into, what will the 2015 MLS SuperDraft be like? Well, we have to look back to 2011 for that answer.
The last time two expansion teams joined in the same year was in 2011, when the Vancouver WhiteCaps and the Portland Timbers joined MLS. With two new teams coming in at the same time, it makes it a little more of a challenge to decide who gets the first pick in the draft.
Much like what will occur in 2015, a coin toss between the two expansion clubs deciding which team gets to pick first in the Expansion Priority Draft will occur.
The Expansion Priority Draft is where the two squads get to choose their priorities in the different draft mechanisms listed below. They are as follows:
1. First pick in the Expansion Draft
2. First pick in the MLS SuperDraft
3. USL Player Priority on opening of signing period
4. Allocation Ranking
5. Designated Player Ranking
6. Discovery Ranking
7. Lottery Ranking
8. Waiver/Re-entry Draft Ranking
In 2015, Orlando City and NYCFC will go through a similar process, which could bring about different strategies and thought processes to the table if the Lions win the coin toss. Would Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath take the first pick in the Expansion Draft or first pick in the MLS SuperDraft? Time will tell as it’s too far out to answer that question, but nevertheless an interesting storyline to follow heading into the 2015 season.
Stay tuned to OrlandoCitySC.com and its social outlets for updates throughout the SuperDraft in Philadelphia all this week.
