Additional Information About the MLS
Major League Soccer History
Buoyed by interest in soccer following the 1994 World Cup in the United States, and filling the void left in 1984 by the defunct NASL, the inaugural season of Major League Soccer was in 1996, with 10 teams spread across 48 states, from Los Angeles to Tampa Bay.
The league experienced huge growth, going from 10 to 24 teams in the first two decades. After America’s success in the 2002 World Cup, the league adopted international standards for play. As MLS has gotten bigger, many teams have moved to soccer-specific stadiums and with the popularity of MLS, international signings from other leagues is a common occurance nowadays.
In 2022, a new team, Charlotte FC, joined the MLS roster, bringing the total number of MLS teams to 28. The MLS’ newest and 29th franchise, St. Louis City SC, began play in the 2023 season — and the league will expand again in 2025 with the addition of the San Diego FC. The future is bright for Major League Soccer, and Ticketmaster offers you unparalleled access to games.
MLS Preseason
After all the off-season moves, it’s time to get ready for the upcoming season — new players, new coaches, and a new swing at glory. Come see your team as they use the preseason as an opportunity to figure out what works, fix what doesn’t, and get prepared for the start of the regular season on February 21. It’s your first chance to catch your team out on the pitch in person.
MLS Regular Season
Now is when the games really matter. From February 21 to October 19, each of the league’s 28 teams play 34 action-packed games. The team with the top regular season record takes home the coveted Supporters’ Shield, and Ticketmaster is your best bet for grabbing the best seats for the teams and players you wanna see.
The Leagues Cup breaks things up in the middle of the season between July 26 and August 15, as well as the All-Star Game taking place on July 17 in Columbus, OH, and Ticketmaster can get you to that game, too. It features the top MLS soccer stars playing together, pitted against a top international football club from a league abroad.
MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS Cup Playoffs are when things really heat up. It’s an all-out race to the MLS Cup Final, with the top seven teams from both the Western and Eastern Conference facing off. The top seed in each league gets a 1-week bye. The winner of the MLS Cup Final — which takes place November 5 — is awarded the coveted MLS Cup. Last year, the Columbus Crew won their third championship at the 2023 MLS Cup, beating LAFC by a score of 2-1. When it’s time, grab your MLS Playoff Tickets at Ticketmaster and get to the games.