Will MLS Continue to Expand?

August 3, 2021

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Major League Soccer has changed drastically since its inception 27 years ago. In an attempt to capitalize on the feelgood factor of the 1994 World Cup — which was held in the United States — MLS was set up to create an undisputed top league in the country.

In 1996, after a few years of preparation, things were finally ready to get started with 10 teams in total competing in the inaugural season:

Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew
D.C. United
Dallas Burn
Kansas City Wiz
Los Angeles Galaxy
New England Revolution
NY/NJ MetroStars
San Jose Clash
Tampa Bay Mutiny

These early years were dominated by D.C. United who lifted the MLS Cup in three of the opening four seasons. In 1998 things finally started to expand with the Miami Fusion and Chicago Fire entering the fray.

Although this may seem like a sign that things were going well, MLS attendances dropped significantly after the league’s maiden season.

This, combined with the commissioner’s failure to attract sponsorship, meant MLS made huge losses during its first five years. This sparked genuine fears that the competition might fold in the late 1990s and early 2000s — particularly when Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny pulled out of the league due to financial problems.

Thankfully this dire situation was turned around eventually with the league making the decision to expand from 2004. In 2005 Salt Lake City and Chivas USA (based in the LA area) joined MLS. This was followed by the arrival of Toronto FC and San Jose Earthquakes in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

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A number of other expansion teams soon followed suit.

Seattle Sounders – 2009
Philadelphia Union – 2010
Vancouver Whitecaps & Portland Timbers – 2011
CF Montreal – 2012
New York City & Orlando City – 2015

Expansion was pushed from two directions. MLS was keen to add more teams to increase its popularity and marketability, particularly in attractive cities like New York and Los Angeles. However, the arrival of an MLS also had advantages – both social and economic – to the areas themselves. This meant new teams were more often than not backed by each city’s legislature.

A second phase of MLS expansion kicked off in 2017 and it is still ongoing now with further teams set to be added all the way up to the 2023 season.

Atlanta United & Minnesota United (2017)
Los Angeles FC (2018)
FC Cincinnati (2019)
Inter Miami & Nashville SC (2020)
Austin FC (2021)
Charlotte FC (2022)
St Louis City SC (2023)
Another Team, most likely Sacramento (2023)

Although the competition has grown an extraordinary amount already there is little sign of things slowing down. Reports suggest that many other cities might be interested in bringing an MLS franchise to their area. Talk of a two-tiered division system refuses to die down as well.

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The 2021 MLS Season

Enough about the future. Let’s focus on the present by taking a look at how the 2021 MLS season has played out so far.

Out in the Eastern Conference New England Revolution have got off to a flying start and sit top of the pile with a Playoff place all but secured. Key to the Revs’ success has been the performances of Carles Gil. The midfielder has been an incredible creative presence and will likely win the most assists award by some distance.

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Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls are hovering in mid table after struggling for consistency. If you think they will turn things around, you can always bet on them making the Playoffs. Make sure to check NJ’s range (17) of sportsbook sign up offers first, though.

Other teams in contention for the postseason out East include Nashville — particularly impressive considering it is their first season in the league — Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, New York City, Montreal and several others. Reigning champions Columbus Crew are up there as expected as well.

At the bottom are Inter Miami. Their terrible start to the season has been surprising considering they have a host of top stars at their disposal including Gonzala Higuian, Blaise Matuidi and Ryan Shawcross.

In the Western Conference Seattle Sounders and Sporting KC have started best. LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids are looking good as well, as are LAFC. Minnesota and Real Salt Lake. In truth, even bottom club Austin could still feasibly make a dash for the Playoffs. They are only seven points off the place and have games in hand over many of those above them.

It is set to be an exciting second half of the season. The battle between Javier Hernandez and Raul Rudiaz for the Golden Boot is a particularly interesting subplot to keep track of.

Could the MLS Expand Further?

The simple answer is yes, definitely. Although there are not any current plans to increase the league’s capacity beyond 2023, that may change.

There is certainly enough demand for MLS franchises across the United States and beyond. Las Vegas is one possible destination, as long as the city can source a suitable stadium. San Diego has also shown strong interest in the past before running into stadium issues of their own.

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Meanwhile, there is the possibility that USL Championship teams might switch leagues. Louisville City seem the most obvious candidates, although Phoenix Rising or one of the many Texas based sides may be tempted as well.

MLS would also welcome further expansion. More teams mean more revenue, which gives a better chance of closing the gap of the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB.