Major League Soccer (MLS)
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1993 as part of the United States’ successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the league began play in 1996 with ten teams. It has since grown significantly, now boasting 29 teams – 26 in the United States and 3 in Canada.
The MLS season runs from late February or early March to October, with the playoffs extending into November and December. The regular season follows a balanced schedule where teams play each other a varying number of times, usually at least once. Teams earn points based on match results: three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. At the end of the regular season, the teams with the highest point totals in each conference (Eastern and Western) qualify for the playoffs.
The MLS playoffs are a single-elimination tournament culminating in the MLS Cup, the league’s championship game. Teams are seeded based on their regular season performance, with higher-seeded teams hosting matches. Winning the MLS Cup is the ultimate goal for every team, representing the pinnacle of achievement in North American soccer.
Over the years, MLS has attracted a diverse range of talent, from emerging domestic players to established international stars. Designated Player Rule, often referred to as the “Beckham Rule,” allows teams to sign up to three players who are paid salaries exceeding the league’s maximum salary budget. This has allowed MLS to attract high-profile players like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lionel Messi, significantly boosting the league’s profile and popularity globally.
The league’s structure differs from many European leagues due to the influence of North American sports models. There is no promotion and relegation between MLS and lower leagues, a feature common in European soccer. Instead, MLS operates as a single entity, with teams owned and operated by individual investors or ownership groups, but subject to league regulations and revenue sharing.
MLS continues to grow in popularity, fueled by increasing attendance, television viewership, and youth participation in soccer. Stadiums are becoming more modern and soccer-specific, creating a better atmosphere for fans. The league is actively investing in player development academies, aiming to nurture young talent and produce future stars for both MLS and the national teams of the United States and Canada. MLS is increasingly recognized as a competitive league and a valuable pathway for players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport.