Report: 2017 MLS Draft Combine coming to Los Angeles

Los Angeles looks like it’s the place to be in January 2017.

In addition to the already-confirmed NSCAA convention, an annual American soccer convention that brings together a variety of movers and shakers in the sport, a new report from Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl on Tuesday indicates the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Combine will be coming to Southern California as well.

This makes sense, considering the trend in recent years has been for the SuperDraft to take place as part of (or related to) the NSCAA convention, and while it has not been confirmed, if the recent pattern holds that would mean the draft would be held in LA. If the draft is going to be in LA, then it would therefore be convenient for the combine to be in the area, too, instead of making teams and prospective draftees hold the combine in Florida, then fly across the country to another warm-weather destination a couple days later.

MLS has yet to confirm the combine and SuperDraft details, but again, I would pencil those events in for LA.

Also of possible note for 2018 purposes: Wahl’s report also notes the 2017 Expansion Draft, to be held by Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC, will only last five rounds, meaning a maximum of 10 players (five for each team) will be selected, and no existing MLS team will lose more than one player.

Obviously it remains to be seen how things will be organized for Los Angeles Football Club’s entry in 2018, but this may be a good hint of how things will go in a little over a year when LAFC are building their own roster.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!