Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, representing the top tier of the sport in both countries. Established in 1993, the league began its inaugural season in 1996 with ten teams as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Since then, MLS has grown significantly, expanding to include 29 teams by the 2024 season, with more expected to join in the coming years.
This rapid expansion reflects the increasing popularity of soccer in North America, as well as the league’s commitment to growing the sport at the grassroots level.
MLS operates under a unique structure compared to other major sports leagues in North America. It follows a single-entity model where the league owns the teams, and players sign contracts with the league rather than individual clubs.
This model was designed to ensure financial stability and competitive balance, especially during the league’s early years when soccer was still developing its fan base in the U.S. and Canada.
The league has also implemented a salary cap system, with designated player rules allowing teams to sign star players outside the cap, attracting international talent such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and more recently, Lionel Messi.
In addition to regular season play, MLS teams compete in the MLS Cup Playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup, which determines the league champion.
MLS teams also participate in the U.S. Open Cup, Canada’s Voyageurs Cup, and international competitions like the CONCACAF Champions League, where they face off against top clubs from other regions.
Over the years, MLS has gained respect on the global stage, with its clubs achieving success in international tournaments and its players being scouted by top European leagues.
The growth of MLS is also evident in its fan base.
The league has seen a surge in attendance, with some teams regularly selling out their home games and even building soccer-specific stadiums to accommodate growing crowds. The atmosphere at MLS matches is vibrant, with passionate supporters’ groups creating an energetic environment that rivals that of traditional soccer powerhouses in Europe and South America.
As soccer continues to gain traction in North America, MLS plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport in the region, both in terms of player development and fan engagement.
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, representing the top tier of the sport in both countries.
Established in 1993, the league began its inaugural season in 1996 with ten teams as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Since then, MLS has grown significantly, expanding to include 29 teams by the 2024 season, with more expected to join in the coming years. This rapid expansion reflects the increasing popularity of soccer in North America, as well as the league’s commitment to growing the sport at the grassroots level.
MLS operates under a unique structure compared to other major sports leagues in North America. It follows a single-entity model where the league owns the teams, and players sign contracts with the league rather than individual clubs.
This model was designed to ensure financial stability and competitive balance, especially during the league’s early years when soccer was still developing its fan base in the U.S. and Canada. The league has also implemented a salary cap system, with designated player rules allowing teams to sign star players outside the cap, attracting international talent such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and more recently, Lionel Messi.
In addition to regular season play, MLS teams compete in the MLS Cup Playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup, which determines the league champion.
MLS teams also participate in the U.S. Open Cup, Canada’s Voyageurs Cup, and international competitions like the CONCACAF Champions League, where they face off against top clubs from other regions. Over the years, MLS has gained respect on the global stage, with its clubs achieving success in international tournaments and its players being scouted by top European leagues.
The growth of MLS is also evident in its fan base. The league has seen a surge in attendance, with some teams regularly selling out their home games and even building soccer-specific stadiums to accommodate growing crowds.
The atmosphere at MLS matches is vibrant, with passionate supporters’ groups creating an energetic environment that rivals that of traditional soccer powerhouses in Europe and South America. As soccer continues to gain traction in North America, MLS plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport in the region, both in terms of player development and fan engagement.
As of the 2024 season, Major League Soccer (MLS) has 29 teams. These teams are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. The league has been expanding steadily over the years, with plans for further expansion in the future.
Here is a breakdown of the 29 MLS teams as of the 2024 season, divided by their conferences, along with a brief overview of each team:
Eastern Conference
- Atlanta United FC
- Founded: 2014
- Based in Atlanta, Georgia, and known for its strong fan base, Atlanta United quickly became a powerhouse in MLS, winning the MLS Cup in 2018.
- Charlotte FC
- Founded: 2019
- Charlotte FC is one of the newer teams in MLS, debuting in 2022. They are based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and play their home games at Bank of America Stadium.
- Chicago Fire FC
- Founded: 1997
- Based in Chicago, Illinois, the Fire has a rich history, winning the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998. The team is named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
- FC Cincinnati
- Founded: 2015
- FC Cincinnati joined MLS in 2019 after success in the USL. They play at TQL Stadium and are known for their vibrant supporter culture.
- Columbus Crew
- Founded: 1994
- One of the original MLS teams, Columbus Crew is based in Columbus, Ohio. The team has won the MLS Cup twice, in 2008 and 2020, and plays at Lower.com Field.
- D.C. United
- Founded: 1995
- Based in Washington, D.C., D.C. United is one of the most storied franchises in MLS history, with four MLS Cups (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004).
- Inter Miami CF
- Founded: 2018
- Co-owned by David Beckham, Inter Miami is based in Miami, Florida. They began playing in 2020 and have quickly attracted global attention.
- CF Montréal
- Founded: 1992 (Joined MLS in 2012)
- Based in Montréal, Quebec, CF Montréal has a strong soccer culture. The team is known for its passionate fan base and bilingual city support.
- Nashville SC
- Founded: 2016
- Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville SC joined MLS in 2020. They play at GEODIS Park and have quickly established themselves as a competitive team.
- New England Revolution
- Founded: 1994
- Based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Revolution is one of the original MLS teams. They won the Supporters’ Shield in 2021 and are known for their consistency.
- New York City FC
- Founded: 2013
- NYCFC is based in New York City and plays at Yankee Stadium. The team won its first MLS Cup in 2021 and is known for its attacking style of play.
- New York Red Bulls
- Founded: 1994
- Based in Harrison, New Jersey, the Red Bulls are one of the original MLS teams. Known for their high-pressing style, they have consistently been playoff contenders.
- Orlando City SC
- Founded: 2010 (Joined MLS in 2015)
- Based in Orlando, Florida, Orlando City SC is known for its vibrant fan base. The team has been competitive since joining the league.
- Philadelphia Union
- Founded: 2008
- Based in Chester, Pennsylvania, the Union has developed a strong reputation for their academy system and won the Supporters’ Shield in 2020.
- Toronto FC
- Founded: 2005
- Based in Toronto, Ontario, Toronto FC is one of Canada’s most successful clubs, winning the MLS Cup in 2017 and the Supporters’ Shield the same year.
Western Conference
- Austin FC
- Founded: 2018
- Based in Austin, Texas, Austin FC joined MLS in 2021. The team plays at Q2 Stadium and quickly became known for its passionate fan base.
- Colorado Rapids
- Founded: 1995
- Based in Commerce City, Colorado, the Rapids are one of the original MLS teams and won the MLS Cup in 2010. They play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
- FC Dallas
- Founded: 1995
- Based in Frisco, Texas, FC Dallas is known for its strong youth academy, producing many homegrown talents. They play at Toyota Stadium.
- Houston Dynamo FC
- Founded: 2005
- Based in Houston, Texas, the Dynamo won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007. They play at Shell Energy Stadium.
- LA Galaxy
- Founded: 1994
- Based in Los Angeles, California, the Galaxy is one of the most successful MLS clubs, with five MLS Cups (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014). The team has attracted global stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
- Founded: 2014
- LAFC is based in Los Angeles and quickly established itself as a dominant force, winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and 2022, and the MLS Cup in 2022.
- Minnesota United FC
- Founded: 2010 (Joined MLS in 2017)
- Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Minnesota United plays at Allianz Field. The team is known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit.
- Portland Timbers
- Founded: 2009 (Joined MLS in 2011)
- Based in Portland, Oregon, the Timbers are known for their passionate supporters, particularly the Timbers Army. The team won the MLS Cup in 2015.
- Real Salt Lake
- Founded: 2004
- Based in Sandy, Utah, Real Salt Lake won the MLS Cup in 2009. The team is known for its competitive consistency and strong home support at America First Field.
- San Jose Earthquakes
- Founded: 1994
- Based in San Jose, California, the Earthquakes are two-time MLS Cup champions (2001, 2003). They play at PayPal Park and have a storied rivalry with the LA Galaxy.
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Founded: 2007 (Joined MLS in 2009)
- Based in Seattle, Washington, the Sounders are one of the most successful and popular MLS teams, winning the MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019. They have a strong fan base and a fierce rivalry with the Portland Timbers.
- Sporting Kansas City
- Founded: 1995
- Based in Kansas City, Kansas, Sporting KC has won two MLS Cups (2000, 2013) and is known for its strong home-field advantage at Children’s Mercy Park.
- St. Louis City SC
- Founded: 2019
- St. Louis City SC joined MLS in 2023 and is based in St. Louis, Missouri. They play at CITYPARK and have quickly attracted a passionate fan base.
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Founded: 1986 (Joined MLS in 2011)
- Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Whitecaps have a long soccer history in Canada. They are known for their strong youth development and play at BC Place.
Each team in MLS brings a unique identity and passionate fan base, contributing to the league’s growing popularity and competitiveness.
MLS games attract significant attendance, and many of the matches are televised both nationally and internationally.
Attendance at MLS Games
MLS has seen a steady increase in attendance over the years, with some teams regularly selling out their home games. The league’s average attendance has been among the highest in the world for professional soccer leagues, often surpassing that of many European leagues.
Teams like Atlanta United, Seattle Sounders FC, and LAFC consistently draw large crowds, with Atlanta United frequently filling the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to its capacity of over 70,000 fans. The vibrant supporter culture, which includes passionate chants, tifos, and fan-driven activities, adds to the electric atmosphere at the stadiums.
Television Coverage
MLS games are widely televised across several networks. In the U.S., major broadcasters such as ESPN, FOX Sports, and Univision regularly air matches, while TSN and TVA Sports cover the games in Canada. In 2023, MLS also launched a new partnership with Apple TV, offering an exclusive streaming service called “MLS Season Pass.” This service streams every match live without local blackouts, giving fans access to all games, replays, and other exclusive content.
The growing popularity of MLS has also led to increased international coverage, with games being broadcast in various countries around the world. This exposure helps expand the league’s global reach, attracting more fans and attention to the sport in North America.
The combination of strong in-person attendance and extensive television coverage has significantly contributed to the growth of MLS, making it one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in North America.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
MLS games attract significant attendance, and many of the matches are televised both nationally and internationally.
Attendance at MLS Games
MLS has seen a steady increase in attendance over the years, with some teams regularly selling out their home games. The league’s average attendance has been among the highest in the world for professional soccer leagues, often surpassing that of many European leagues.
Teams like Atlanta United, Seattle Sounders FC, and LAFC consistently draw large crowds, with Atlanta United frequently filling the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to its capacity of over 70,000 fans. The vibrant supporter culture, which includes passionate chants, tifos, and fan-driven activities, adds to the electric atmosphere at the stadiums.
Television Coverage
MLS games are widely televised across several networks. In the U.S., major broadcasters such as ESPN, FOX Sports, and Univision regularly air matches, while TSN and TVA Sports cover the games in Canada. In 2023, MLS also launched a new partnership with Apple TV, offering an exclusive streaming service called “MLS Season Pass.” This service streams every match live without local blackouts, giving fans access to all games, replays, and other exclusive content.
The growing popularity of MLS has also led to increased international coverage, with games being broadcast in various countries around the world. This exposure helps expand the league’s global reach, attracting more fans and attention to the sport in North America.
The combination of strong in-person attendance and extensive television coverage has significantly contributed to the growth of MLS, making it one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in North America.
Understanding the rules and structure of Major League Soccer (MLS) will help you feel more confident when discussing the league with other fans. Here is a breakdown of key rules, formats, and additional information about MLS:
Basic Rules of MLS
MLS follows the standard rules of soccer as governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These include:
Match Duration: A standard MLS match consists of two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break. If the score is tied at the end of regulation in a regular-season game, it remains a draw. In playoff matches, extra time and potentially penalty kicks are used to determine the winner.
Points System: Teams earn points based on match results during the regular season:
Win: 3 points
Draw: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Offside Rule: Like in all soccer, a player is considered offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them.
Substitutions: Each team is allowed five substitutions per match in MLS. This rule was updated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since been adopted more widely. However, substitutions can only be made during three stoppages in play.
Disciplinary Rules:
Yellow Card: Issued for cautionable offenses such as unsporting behavior, dissent, or time-wasting.
Red Card: Issued for serious offenses, leading to the player’s immediate ejection from the game. A team cannot replace a player who has been sent off, and the player is typically suspended for the next match.
MLS Structure
MLS has a unique structure compared to many other soccer leagues around the world:
Conferences: MLS is divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. Each team plays a set number of games against opponents within their conference and a smaller number against teams from the other conference.
Regular Season and Playoffs:
Regular Season: The regular season typically runs from late February or early March through October. Teams compete for the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
MLS Cup Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the top teams from each conference qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, a knockout tournament to determine the league champion. The playoffs culminate in the MLS Cup, the league’s championship match.
Designated Player Rule: Each MLS team is allowed to sign up to three players whose total compensation and acquisition costs exceed the maximum salary cap, known as Designated Players (often called the “Beckham Rule”). This allows teams to bring in high-profile international stars without affecting their salary cap as severely.
Salary Cap: MLS has a salary cap in place to ensure competitive balance across the league. However, the league uses mechanisms like the Designated Player Rule and Allocation Money to give teams some flexibility in building their rosters.
Homegrown Player Rule: MLS teams can sign local players from their own development academies directly to the first team without having to go through the MLS SuperDraft. This encourages teams to invest in youth development.
Competition Formats
MLS Cup Playoffs: After the regular season, the top teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs. The format has varied over the years, but it typically involves single-elimination rounds.
Supporters’ Shield: Awarded to the team with the best overall regular-season record. This is seen as a prestigious achievement and earns the team a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
CONCACAF Champions Cup: MLS teams can qualify for this international tournament by winning the MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, or the U.S. Open Cup. The Champions Cup is the top club competition in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
U.S. Open Cup: An annual knockout competition open to all U.S. soccer teams, including those outside MLS. MLS teams typically join in the later rounds, and winning the U.S. Open Cup also earns a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Leagues Cup: A new competition between MLS and Liga MX (the top professional league in Mexico), fostering rivalry and collaboration between North American leagues.
Key Terms and Concepts
Tifo: Large choreographed banners or displays created by supporters, usually unveiled before the match.
Rivalry Week: A week during the MLS season where teams face their biggest rivals, often generating intense matches and high fan engagement.
El Tráfico: The nickname for the rivalry between LA Galaxy and LAFC, one of the most intense in the league.
Cascadia Cup: A regional competition between Pacific Northwest teams—Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps—based on their regular-season matchups.
MLS and Global Soccer
MLS has increasingly attracted international attention, signing well-known players and competing in international tournaments.
The league has become a destination for both aging stars and young talent from around the world, balancing international flair with a growing pool of homegrown players.
By familiarizing yourself with these aspects of MLS, you will be well-prepared to discuss the league with confidence!
To really sound like you are “in the know” about MLS, here are a few additional aspects and trends in the league that you can mention in conversations:
Emerging Talents and Homegrown Players
Youth Development: MLS clubs are increasingly focusing on developing young talent through their academies. Notable examples include players like Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas), Gianluca Busio (formerly of Sporting Kansas City), and Alphonso Davies (formerly of Vancouver Whitecaps, now a star at Bayern Munich). Discussing the importance of homegrown players and their impact on the league can show your understanding of MLS’s developmental focus.
Expansion and Growth
Expansion Teams: MLS is rapidly expanding, with recent additions like Inter Miami CF, Austin FC, and St. Louis City SC. The league plans to continue this growth, which speaks to its increasing popularity. Mentioning the success or struggles of these new franchises can add depth to your knowledge.
Market Growth: The expansion of MLS into new markets, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest, reflects the league’s strategic growth. Atlanta United’s instant success in terms of fan support and on-field performance is often cited as a blueprint for new teams.
MLS Rivalries
Rivalry Games: MLS has several intense rivalries that fuel fan passion. Beyond El Tráfico and the Cascadia Cup, there are rivalries like the Hudson River Derby (New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls) and Hell is Real Derby (FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew). These games often have a charged atmosphere and can be great talking points.
Derby Day: Derby matches in MLS are heavily anticipated and often have implications beyond the league standings, including local bragging rights and fan pride.
Diverse Playing Styles
Diverse Coaching Philosophies: MLS is home to a variety of coaching styles, ranging from European tactical approaches to South American flair. Coaches like Tata Martino (formerly of Atlanta United) and Bruce Arena (New England Revolution) have left their marks with distinctive strategies. Recognizing the tactical diversity in MLS can add nuance to your understanding.
Fan Culture
Supporter Groups: Many MLS teams have passionate supporter groups that are central to the matchday experience. For example, Seattle Sounders’ “Emerald City Supporters,” Portland Timbers’ “Timbers Army,” and Atlanta United’s “Footie Mob” are known for their fervent support. Discussing the influence of these groups and their traditions can show a deeper appreciation of the league’s culture.
March to the Match: Some supporter groups have traditions like the “March to the Match,” where fans parade through the streets to the stadium, chanting and waving flags.
International Influence
Influence of International Players: MLS continues to attract talent from across the globe, including stars from Europe, South America, and Africa. Players like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and more recently, Lionel Messi with Inter Miami CF, have significantly raised the profile of the league. Understanding the impact of these players on MLS can be a key talking point.
International Competitions: Mentioning MLS teams’ performances in international tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the growing rivalry with Liga MX in the Leagues Cup can showcase your awareness of MLS on a global stage.
Stadiums and Infrastructure
Soccer-Specific Stadiums: MLS has seen a shift towards building soccer-specific stadiums, which enhances the fan experience and creates a more intimate atmosphere. Teams like Columbus Crew, LAFC, and Austin FC play in such stadiums, which are often seen as a sign of the league’s maturity and growth.
Atmosphere: Certain stadiums are known for their electric atmospheres, like Seattle’s Lumen Field and Portland’s Providence Park. Commenting on the different fan experiences can show that you are well-versed in the league’s culture.
MLS and American Sports Culture
Comparison to Other Leagues: MLS is often compared to other American sports leagues in terms of structure, popularity, and media coverage. Discussing how MLS is carving out its niche in the crowded American sports landscape, particularly with younger demographics, can demonstrate a broader understanding.
All-Star Game: The MLS All-Star Game is a unique event where the best players in the league often face off against a top European club team, adding to the league’s appeal and showcasing its top talent.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges: MLS still faces challenges like competing with established European leagues for attention, the ongoing debate about the league’s quality compared to others, and the complexities of the salary cap and player acquisition rules. Acknowledging these issues shows a balanced understanding of the league.
Opportunities: The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to boost soccer’s popularity in North America. Discussing how this event might impact MLS can show foresight and a forward-looking perspective.
Technology and Innovation
VAR (Video Assistant Referee): MLS was one of the early adopters of VAR, and discussing how this technology has been integrated into the league could reflect your knowledge of MLS’s approach to modernizing the game.
Fan Engagement: MLS has been proactive in using technology and social media to engage with fans, offering unique content and interactions that help build a strong community around each team.
By integrating these points into your discussions about MLS, you will sound like someone who truly knows the ins and outs of the league!
The MLS season typically follows a calendar that spans most of the year, with a few key phases:
Regular Season
Start: The regular season usually begins in late February or early March.
End: It runs through late October.
During the regular season, each team plays a set number of matches, facing off against opponents both within their conference and from the opposite conference. The games are usually held weekly, with most matches taking place on weekends.
MLS Cup Playoffs
Start: The playoffs typically begin shortly after the regular season ends, usually in late October or early November.
End: The playoffs culminate in the MLS Cup, which is the championship match, usually held in early December.
The playoffs feature the top teams from each conference, with a knockout format that decides the MLS champion.
MLS All-Star Game
Timing: The MLS All-Star Game usually takes place in late July or early August, serving as a mid-season showcase event where the league’s best players face off against a top European club or another international team.
Preseason and Offseason
Preseason: Teams usually begin their preseason preparations in January, with training camps and friendly matches to get ready for the regular season.
Offseason: The MLS offseason runs from December to January, with no official matches but plenty of player transfers, drafts, and other activities.
This structure allows MLS to have a lengthy and engaging season, with plenty of soccer action from early spring through late fall.
In the MLS regular season, each team typically plays 34 games. Here is how it is structured:
Game Breakdown
Conference Matches: Teams play the majority of their games against other teams within their own conference. This usually amounts to 24 games—playing each conference opponent twice (home and away).
Inter-Conference Matches: The remaining 10 games are played against teams from the other conference. Since there are fewer inter-conference games, teams may not play every team from the opposite conference every season.
Playoff Games
In addition to the regular season, teams that qualify for the playoffs will play additional games. The exact number depends on how far they advance, but it could be anywhere from one to five extra games.
Cup Competitions
Teams might also participate in other competitions like the U.S. Open Cup, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the Leagues Cup, which could add more games to their schedule.
Overall, including regular season, playoffs, and cup competitions, a top-performing team could play over 40 games in a season.
To dive deeper into MLS and stay updated with the latest news, stats, and developments, here are some great resources:
Official MLS Website
MLSsoccer.com: The league’s official website is the best place for comprehensive information. You will find news, team profiles, player stats, schedules, standings, and more.
Sports News Websites
ESPN: ESPN covers MLS extensively, offering news, analysis, match highlights, and commentary. They also broadcast some MLS games.
ESPN MLS Section
The Athletic: The Athletic provides in-depth articles, player interviews, and tactical analysis. It is a subscription service, but the quality of coverage is high.
The Athletic MLS Section
Sports Illustrated (SI): SI covers major sports, including MLS, with a mix of news, features, and opinion pieces.
Sports Illustrated Soccer Section
Social Media
Twitter/X: Follow the official MLS account (@MLS) for live updates, news, and fan engagement. Most teams and players also have active accounts.
YouTube: MLS has an official YouTube channel where they post match highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
Podcasts and Blogs
ExtraTime Radio: The official MLS podcast that offers in-depth discussions about the league, player interviews, and match analysis.
SB Nation: SB Nation’s soccer section includes fan-run blogs for each MLS team, providing a more grassroots perspective on the league.
SB Nation Soccer
TV Networks
Apple TV+: Starting in 2023, Apple TV+ became the home of MLS broadcasting all league games through the MLS Season Pass, which includes every match without blackout restrictions.
Fox Sports: Fox Sports also covers some MLS games, particularly high-profile matches, and playoffs.
Local Team Websites
Each MLS team has its own official website, where you can find team-specific news, tickets, merchandise, and community events. These sites often provide more detailed information on the local fan experience and team activities.
These resources will keep you well-informed about MLS and help you engage in knowledgeable discussions about the league.
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