How Many Teams Compete in Major League Soccer (MLS)

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It has experienced tremendous growth over the years and boasts an increasing number of teams across different cities. As of 2021, MLS currently comprises 27 teams, with more expansion plans in the pipeline.

The league was founded in 1993 as part of an effort to establish professional soccer in the United States. The inaugural season took place in 1996 with ten teams, representing various cities such as Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Washington D.C., Dallas, and Kansas City. These teams played a significant role in laying the foundation for the growth and popularity of MLS in the following decades.

Over the years, MLS has expanded both in terms of the number of teams and the geographic spread. In 2005, Chivas USA joined the league as an expansion team, becoming the 11th team in MLS. However, Chivas USA ceased operations in 2014 due to various challenges and financial issues.

The expansion efforts continued, and in 2007, Toronto FC became the first Canadian team to join MLS. This move not only broadened the league’s reach but also increased its global appeal. Toronto FC’s entry was followed by other Canadian teams, namely Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2011 and Montreal Impact (now known as Club de Foot Montréal) in 2012.

As MLS gained more popularity and recognition, the league sought to expand further into untapped markets across the United States. This expansion drive led to the inclusion of many new teams. For instance, in 2017, Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC joined MLS, increasing the league’s team count to 22.

Since then, MLS has continued its expansion plans, bringing in new teams and diversifying the league’s presence. In 2018, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) joined the league, becoming the second team in the city of Los Angeles alongside LA Galaxy. This move created an exciting rivalry between the two clubs, further fueling fan interest in MLS.

MLS expanded to Nashville, Tennessee, and Miami, Florida, in 2020 with the addition of Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF, respectively. These expansions marked the league’s commitment to spreading soccer’s popularity across non-traditional soccer markets. Moreover, Austin FC, a team based in Austin, Texas, made its debut in MLS in 2021.

While MLS has made impressive strides in expanding the number of teams, there are further plans to increase its reach. The league has announced expansion teams set to join in the coming years. For instance, Charlotte FC is scheduled to begin playing in 2022, and Sacramento Republic FC is slated to debut in 2023.

The steady growth of MLS can be attributed to the league’s dedicated fanbase and the increasing participation in youth soccer programs across the United States and Canada. As more young players develop their skills and aspire to play professionally, MLS provides a platform for domestic talent to thrive.

In conclusion, Major League Soccer (MLS) currently consists of 27 teams, with plans to expand and include teams from various cities across the United States and Canada. The league’s growth reflects the increasing popularity and interest in soccer in North America. With its ever-expanding fanbase, MLS continues to evolve and solidify its position as a major professional sports league in the region.