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Major League Soccer (MLS)

Major League Soccer (MLS)


Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top professional football league in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1993 and launched in 1996, MLS has grown into one of the most rapidly expanding leagues in the world, attracting global stars and massive investment.

History and facts

MLS was created as part of the USA’s successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The league began with just 10 teams and struggled in its early years before entering a period of rapid growth in the 2000s.

Key turning points included the arrival of the Designated Player Rule in 2007, allowing teams to sign international stars such as David Beckham.

MLS today features 29 teams (26 in the United States and 3 in Canada), with further expansion expected.


League system


MLS uses a unique franchise system with no promotion or relegation. Teams are divided into the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. The season consists of a regular season followed by the MLS Cup Playoffs.


Table 1. MLS Structure
ConferenceTeams
Eastern Conference15 teams
Western Conference14 teams
MLS continues to expand, with additional franchises already approved for future seasons.

Stats

Teams with most MLS Cups


Table 2. MLS Cup champions by titles
ClubMLS Cups
LA Galaxy5
D.C. United4
Seattle Sounders2
Houston Dynamo2
Sporting Kansas City2
Columbus Crew3
LA Galaxy is the most successful club in MLS Cup history.

Teams with most Supporters’ Shield titles


  • LA Galaxy
  • D.C. United
  • New York Red Bulls
  • Columbus Crew
  • Philadelphia Union

Audience

Stadium capacities


Table 4. Major MLS stadiums
TeamStadiumCapacity
Atlanta UnitedMercedes-Benz Stadium71,000
Seattle SoundersLumen Field69,000
LA GalaxyDignity Health Sports Park27,000
Inter MiamiDRV PNK Stadium19,100
Toronto FCBMO Field30,991

Players

Famous players in MLS


  • David Beckham
  • Robbie Keane
  • Zlatan Ibrahimović
  • David Villa
  • Thierry Henry
  • Carlos Vela
  • Lionel Messi

MLS timeline


1993 Major League Soccer is founded.
1996 The first MLS season launches with 10 teams.
2007 Designated Player Rule introduced; David Beckham joins LA Galaxy.
2015 New wave of expansion: NYCFC, Orlando City.
2023 Lionel Messi joins Inter Miami, boosting global visibility.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Soccer
https://www.mlssoccer.com
https://www.rsssf.org

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