Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top-tier men’s professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, comprising 29 teams—26 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada—since 2023. Founded in 1993 as part of the U.S.’s successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, MLS has grown significantly since its inaugural season in 1996, which began with ten teams. Despite early financial struggles, the league’s growth was fueled by the introduction of soccer-specific stadiums, the Designated Player Rule—allowing for the signing of international stars like David Beckham—and lucrative TV contracts. By 2022, MLS boasted the fourth-highest average attendance among major North American sports leagues, with over 21,000 fans per game, and was ranked as the eighth-highest attended soccer league globally by 2018.

MLS operates as a single-entity league, where the league owns all teams, and investors operate individual franchises. This structure, along with a fixed membership system that eschews promotion and relegation, differentiates MLS from most other soccer leagues. The LA Galaxy are the most successful team, with five MLS Cup titles, while D.C. United and LA Galaxy both hold the record for the most Supporters’ Shields, with four each. The Columbus Crew are the current champions, having won the MLS Cup in 2023.

League Information