Introduction
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the pinnacle of professional soccer in the United States, representing the highest level of the sport in the country. Established in 1993, MLS now comprises 29 teams, with 26 based in the United States and 3 in Canada. The league has come a long way since its inception, experiencing financial challenges and operational struggles in its early years. However, with the development of soccer-specific stadiums, the introduction of the Designated Player Rule, and lucrative TV contracts, MLS has become a profitable and successful league.
A Unique Competition Format
MLS follows a unique competition format with a regular season that typically runs from late February or early March to October. Teams are divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences, playing 34 games in an unbalanced schedule. The team with the highest point total at the end of the regular season is awarded the Supporters' Shield and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The postseason MLS Cup Playoffs feature eighteen teams and culminate in the league's championship game, the highly anticipated MLS Cup.
Beyond the Borders: International and Domestic Competitions
MLS teams also compete in various international and domestic competitions. In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, up to five MLS teams battle against clubs from the CONCACAF region. Additionally, the MLS Cup champion participates in the Campeones Cup, a single game against Liga MX's Campeón de Campeones. Another inter-league competition, the Leagues Cup, features MLS and Liga MX teams going head-to-head.
The MLS Landscape: Teams and Rivalries
Currently, there are 29 teams in MLS, divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences. The league continues to expand, with teams such as St. Louis City SC and San Diego FC set to join in the coming years. MLS also boasts several rivalry cups, contested by geographic rivals and awarded to the team with the best record in matches during the regular season.
A Rich History and Promising Future
Major League Soccer is the latest chapter in the evolution of professional soccer in the United States. Born out of the ashes of the North American Soccer League, MLS has grown and thrived over the years. With its unique competition format, international and domestic competitions, and a growing roster of teams, MLS has firmly established itself as a premier soccer league. As the sport continues to gain popularity across America, the future of MLS looks even more promising.