Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation which represents the sport's highest level in the United States and Canada. MLS constitutes one of the major professional sports leagues in both countries. The league comprises teams that are divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Founded in 1992 as part of the United States' successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, MLS began play in 1996 with 10 teams. The league has since expanded to 28 teams as of the 2023 season, with plans for further expansion in the near future. MLS is headquartered in New York City.

History

The formation of MLS was announced in 1993, and the league's inaugural season took place in 1996. Initially, the league struggled with financial and operational issues, including low attendance and a lack of television coverage. However, the introduction of Designated Players (often referred to as the "Beckham Rule") in 2007 allowed teams to sign high-profile international players, significantly increasing the league's visibility and popularity.

Over the years, MLS has seen a steady increase in attendance, the construction of soccer-specific stadiums, and the development of strong rivalries, contributing to the growing soccer culture in North America. The league has also become a destination for international stars towards the end of their careers, as well as a developmental league for young talent from the Americas and beyond.

Competition Format

MLS's regular season runs from late February or early March to October, with each team playing 34 games. The league employs a single table format, but for the purpose of the playoffs, teams are split into the Eastern and Western Conferences. The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup, the league's championship game.

Clubs

As of the 2023 season, MLS consists of 28 clubs—25 in the United States and 3 in Canada. Each team is allowed up to three Designated Players who can be paid outside the team's salary cap, allowing for the acquisition of internationally recognized stars.

International Competitions

MLS teams compete in several international tournaments, including the CONCACAF Champions League, where they face clubs from the CONCACAF region. The league's teams have also participated in the Campeones Cup and Leagues Cup, competitions against clubs from Liga MX, Mexico's top professional soccer league.

Expansion

MLS has undergone significant expansion since its inception, both in terms of the number of teams and its geographical footprint. The league plans to continue this growth, with the aim of further increasing the popularity of soccer in North America.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its growth, MLS has faced criticism regarding its competitive level compared to European leagues, its unique rules such as the salary cap and the Designated Player Rule, and its playoff format. However, the league continues to evolve, addressing these criticisms while also working to improve the quality of play and its business model.

See Also

• Soccer in the United States
• Soccer in Canada
• Designated Player Rule
• List of Major League Soccer teams
• United States Soccer Federation