The MLS (Major League Soccer) is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1993, the league has grown in popularity and has expanded to include 24 teams, with plans for continued growth in the future. The MLS features some of the best international soccer players, as well as top domestic talent. The league is known for its high-energy, fast-paced style of play and is committed to promoting the growth of soccer in North America. With its diverse fan base and exciting match-ups, the MLS is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the MLS, including its history, structure, and what makes it unique.
What is the MLS League?
The Basics
The Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1993, and since then, it has grown to become one of the top soccer leagues in the world. The MLS has 26 teams, with 23 based in the United States and three in Canada.
The Structure
The MLS season runs from March to October, with each team playing 34 games. The league is divided into two conferences, the Eastern and Western Conference. The top teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, which culminate in the MLS Cup, the league’s championship game.
The MLS operates under a closed system, meaning that teams cannot purchase players from other professional leagues. Instead, the league has a mechanism for homegrown players, allowing teams to sign players from their own development academies. The MLS also has a designated player rule, which allows teams to sign high-profile players such as David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
In addition to the regular season, the MLS also hosts the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a knockout tournament that includes teams from various levels of American soccer. The MLS also participates in the CONCACAF Champions League, a tournament that includes teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Overall, the MLS is a highly competitive and exciting league that showcases the best of American soccer. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just looking to learn more about it, the MLS is a great place to start.
The History of the MLS
The Early Years
- The MLS was founded in 1993, with ten teams. These teams were the Colorado Rapids, Dallas Burn, Kansas City Wiz, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York/New Jersey MetroStars, San Jose Clash, and Tampa Bay Mutiny.
- The league struggled in its early years, with low attendance and financial difficulties. The average attendance in the first season was only 10,921, and several teams faced financial problems.
- However, the league has since grown, with more teams, higher attendance, and increased financial stability. In 2018, the average attendance reached an all-time high of 22,314, and the league has become more competitive with the addition of more teams and the introduction of designated players.
The Expansion Era
- The MLS has undergone several expansions, with new teams added to the league in various cities. Some of the expansion teams include the Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and Houston Dynamo.
- The most recent expansion was in 2020, with the addition of Austin FC. Austin FC is the league’s 27th team and plays its home games at Q2 Stadium.
- The league is planning to expand further in the coming years, with new teams set to join the league in 2021 and beyond. These teams include Charlotte FC, St. Louis City SC, and Sacramento Republic FC.
The MLS Today
The Teams
- The MLS currently has 26 teams, with 13 in the Eastern Conference and 13 in the Western Conference.
- The league is divided into two halves, with each team playing 34 games during the regular season.
- The top teams in each conference qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, which culminate in a championship game.
The Coaches
- Each team has a head coach who is responsible for managing the team and making game-day decisions.
- Many MLS coaches have experience playing at a high level, either in the MLS or abroad.
- The league also has a number of assistant coaches and support staff who help with training and game preparation.
The Schedule
- The MLS season runs from March to October, with each team playing 34 games over the course of the season.
- The schedule is determined by the league office and is designed to balance the needs of all teams.
- The MLS also has a number of international breaks throughout the season, which allow players to participate in international competitions.
The Stadiums
- The MLS teams play in a variety of stadiums, ranging from large soccer-specific stadiums to smaller venues.
- Many MLS stadiums are located in urban areas and are easily accessible by public transportation.
- The league also has a number of temporary stadiums, which are used by teams while their permanent homes are being built or renovated.
The Future of the MLS
The Growth
- The MLS has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a notable increase in attendance at matches. In the 2019 season, the average attendance per game was over 22,000, which is a substantial rise from the early 2000s when the average was around 17,000.
- Additionally, the league has seen higher ratings on television, with more people tuning in to watch MLS games. This has been attributed to the growth of soccer culture in the United States and the increasing popularity of the sport.
- The MLS has also seen an upsurge in sponsorships, with major brands such as Adidas, AT&T, and Target investing in the league. This increased commercial interest is a clear indication of the growing importance of the MLS in the American sports landscape.
- The league has gained recognition on the international stage, with more MLS players moving to European clubs and representing their countries in international competitions. This increased exposure has helped to raise the profile of the MLS and attract more top-level talent to the league.
The Challenges
- The MLS faces several challenges, including competition from other sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. These sports have a long history in the United States and continue to dominate the sports landscape, making it difficult for soccer to gain a foothold.
- Another challenge facing the MLS is the need to attract more top-level international players. While the league has made progress in this area, it still lags behind other major leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga.
- The MLS is also working to address issues of diversity and inclusion, both on and off the field. The league has faced criticism for a lack of diversity in its ownership and management, as well as in the makeup of its teams. The MLS is taking steps to address these issues, but they remain a significant challenge for the league.
Overall, the future of the MLS looks bright, with significant growth in recent years and a clear desire from fans and stakeholders for the league to continue to grow and improve. However, the league also faces significant challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure its long-term success.
FAQs
1. What is the MLS league?
The MLS, or Major League Soccer, is a professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1993 and is the top level of soccer in the United States.
2. How many teams are in the MLS?
There are currently 26 teams in the MLS, with 23 based in the United States and three based in Canada.
3. What is the format of the MLS season?
The MLS season runs from March to October, with each team playing 34 regular season games. The top six teams in the league qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, which culminate in the MLS Cup championship game.
4. Who owns the MLS teams?
MLS teams are owned by a combination of individuals, investment groups, and other entities. Some teams are owned by other professional sports teams, while others are owned by publicly traded companies.
5. How is the MLS different from other soccer leagues?
The MLS has a unique system for player allocation and salary caps, which helps to keep the league competitive and affordable for teams. Additionally, the MLS has a focus on developing homegrown talent and promoting soccer as a whole in the United States.
6. Can MLS players participate in international competitions?
Yes, MLS players are eligible to play for the United States national team and other international teams. The MLS has also sent teams to participate in international competitions such as the CONCACAF Champions League.
7. How can I watch MLS games?
MLS games are broadcast on a variety of channels, including ESPN, FOX Sports, and Univision. Additionally, many games are available to stream online through services such as ESPN+ and DAZN.
8. How can I get tickets to MLS games?
Tickets for MLS games can be purchased through the team’s website or through ticket resellers such as StubHub. It’s always a good idea to purchase tickets in advance, as some games can sell out quickly.
