In this post, I’ll tell you all about the MLS. So what does MLS stand for in soccer?
MLS stands for Major League Soccer. It’s the highest professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.
The popularity of soccer is growing year-on-year in the USA. And MLS is one of the main reasons.
This growth is due to the interest shown in the sport from the younger generation. It’s also a result of the growing Hispanic and Latino population in the US.
But my focus in this article is to make you understand MLS and how it works.
In this post, you’ll learn about:
- What does MLS stand for in soccer?
- What is MLS?
- History of MLS
- League structure and format of MLS
- And much more!
So, if you’re a new fan of soccer and want to learn about the MLS, then you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in and explore what MLS stands for in soccer!
What Does MLS Stand For in Soccer?
MLS in soccer stands for Major League Soccer. It’s a men’s professional soccer league sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation.
MLS represents the highest level of soccer in the United States.
Founded in 1993, MLS comprises 29 teams, with 26 based in the United States and 3 in Canada as of the 2023 season.
History of MLS
MLS was formed in 1993 as part of the United States’ bid for the 1994 World Cup. But the first season didn’t start until 1996.
To understand its history, we have to go back to 1968.
North American Soccer League (NASL)
Founded in 1968, the North American Soccer League (NASL) was the predecessor to the MLS.
But despite attracting international stars like Pelé, NASL faced a lot of challenges. Problems like over-expansion, economic recession, and disputes led to its collapse in 1984.
1994 World Cup Bid
Then in 1988, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) pledged to create a stable soccer league. This was a part of their successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
MLS was also seen as a way to capitalize on the surge in soccer’s popularity after the tournament.
The USSF registered MLS as a limited liability company in 1995. And the plan was to start the league that year.
But delays pushed the inaugural season back to 1996.
MLS Begins in 1996
So, in 1996, the first game took place between San Jose Clash and D.C. United.
It was looking promising. The fanbase was behind the sport and the teams had marquee signings for star power.
Star players like Alexi Lalas and Tony Meola, and foreign stars like Jorge Campos and Carlos Valderrama were all a part of the league.
But the success was not long-lived. MLS soon faced financial difficulties. Plus, some teams also struggled to draw crowds.
All this led to MLS losing millions in the first five years.
Resurgence of MLS
Though, since 2002, MLS has seen a gradual rise.
Increased investment and a focus on youth development have contributed to the league’s growth.
Then the league went to the next level in the mid-2000s with the arrival of stars like David Beckham and Thierry Henry.
MLS continues to grow today with a rise in attendance and the arrival of more high-profile players.
Want to know the winners of MLS since its start? Then read this article.
Current Format of MLS
MLS has a unique structure and format compared to European soccer leagues.
It includes two conferences:
- the Western Conference and
- the Eastern Conference.
Each conference currently has 14 or 15 teams. But that can change with future expansion.
The 14 teams in the Western Conference are:
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Louis City SC
- Los Angeles FC
- FC Dallas
- Minnesota United FC
- Austin FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
- Portland Timbers
- Real Salt Lake
- Sporting Kansas City
- Colorado Rapids
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- LA Galaxy
- Houston Dynamo FC
The 15 teams in the Eastern Conference are:
- Inter Miami CF
- New England Revolution
- Nashville SC
- Atlanta United FC
- FC Cincinnati
- Orlando City SC
- Philadelphia Union
- C. United
- Columbus Crew
- Chicago Fire FC
- Toronto FC
- New York Red Bulls
- New York City FC
- Charlotte FC
- CF Montréal
League Structure
The MLS format involves regular-season games, playoffs, and the ultimate MLS Cup final.
Let’s look at how it works in more detail.
MLS comprises 29 teams, with 26 from the USA and 3 from Canada.
The league is then divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences based on geographical location.
During the regular season, each team plays 34 games – 17 at home and 17 away.
Most teams play in their own conference twice. But due to the odd number of teams, some teams have to face teams from the other conference.
At the end of the season, the best team across both conferences wins the Supporters’ Shield.
How many games are played in a soccer season around the world? Learn about it in this article.
Playoff Format
After the regular season, the top nine teams from each conference qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
First, the ninth-placed team and eighth-placed team face off in a single-elimination match. The higher seed hosts the match.
The winner of this match gets a wildcard entry into the playoffs.
The top teams are then drawn with the lowest-ranked teams.
So, the team that finishes first faces the team in eighth position. The second-placed team faces the seventh-placed team, and so on.
These games are a best-of-three format. So, the team that wins two matches advances to the next round.
From the second round, the format changes back to single-elimination matches. And the higher seed gets to host the match.
Finally, The MLS Cup final is held in December. The team with the better regular-season record hosts the match.
And of course, the winner lifts the MLS Cup.
What Are The Unique Features of MLS?
MLS is not like your traditional soccer leagues. They like to do things their own way.
Here are some of the most unique aspects of MLS.
Single-Entity Structure
Unlike most leagues worldwide, MLS also operates under a single-entity structure.
This means the league itself owns all the teams. The teams have individual investors who hold operating rights for each franchise.
This enables greater revenue sharing and financial equality among teams in the league.
Player Acquisition Rules
MLS has very strict player acquisition rules. These rules aim to maintain cost control and competitive balance.
European leagues have introduced the Financial Fair Play (FFP) model to similar effects. But still, the MLS rules remain stricter.
For example, MLS has a salary cap system to prevent a few teams from dominating the league. This means each team has a designated amount they can spend on player salaries.
Then there’s the Designated Player (DP) Rule to make it more complex. This rule allows teams to sign a few players outside the normal salary cap.
Due to the rule, MLS franchises can attract high-profile international stars and boost fan engagement.
In fact, the DP rule made it possible for Inter Miami to sign Lionel Messi on a multi-million dollar contract.
MLS Draft System
The MLS follows a similar transfer system to other sports in the US.
Unlike most soccer leagues, MLS uses a draft system. In this system, the clubs select players from college or youth tournaments.
There’s also the SuperDraft that takes place before each season.
The draft is divided into four rounds and every team gets to pick a player in each round.
Playoff Format
I’ve already talked about the playoff format in a previous section.
But to recap, MLS doesn’t crown the champions after the end of the regular season. Instead, it uses a playoff system to determine its champion (MLS Cup).
Rivalry Cups
Yes, you heard that right. MLS has trophies based on rivalries in the league.
Two or more geographical rivals compete in these cups to add excitement to the regular season.
Some examples of rivalry cups in MLS are:
- Hudson River Derby – New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC.
- Texas Derby – FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, and San Antonio FC
- Rocky Mountain Cup – Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake
MLS All-Star Game
Another exciting feature in the MLS is its All-Star Game.
The MLS All-Star Game is an annual event where a team of selected players from MLS competes against an international club.
How are the players selected?
The players in the MLS All-Star team are selected by fan votes and selections by the appointed manager.
Importance of MLS for North America
Major League Soccer (MLS) has played a vital role in the growth of soccer in North America.
It has provided a platform for local talent to grow and showcase their skills.
The league has also raised the profile of soccer in the region by attracting international stars to soccer.
For example, Matthew McConaughey, the famous actor, has recently bought a stake in Austin FC. This has brought a lot of new eyes to the sport.
Let’s now see the other ways in which MLS has helped soccer in North America.
Impact on Youth Soccer
The growth of MLS has positively influenced youth soccer in North America.
Many MLS teams have established academies to help aspiring players reach their goals.
This has also created a strong foundation for the future of the US and Canadian national teams.
Economic and Commercial Growth
MLS has a large economic impact on North America.
The league generates revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights.
This economic activity creates jobs and attracts further investment in soccer infrastructure.
MLS’s positioning in the international soccer market will also play a crucial role in how the continent is viewed globally.
Cultural Significance
Because of MLS, soccer is no longer seen as a niche sport in North America.
Rather, it’s seen as a mainstream option alongside American football, basketball, and baseball.
Combine this with the 2026 World Cup, and soccer could be one of the biggest sports in the continent.
Thank You For Reading
So I hope you now know what MLS stands for in soccer. I also hope you enjoyed learning everything about Major League Soccer. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
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I’d also like to hear what you have to say…
Do you think MLS has been important in development of soccer in the US?
Should Canada have its own major league? Or should more teams from Canada participate in the MLS?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!
And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
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