1. Origins and Founding (1990s)
Major League Soccer was created as part of the United States' promise to FIFA when it won the right to host the 1994 World Cup. As part of that agreement, the U.S. had to establish a professional soccer league. MLS was officially founded in December 1993, although its first season didn't begin until 1996 to allow for infrastructure and team development.
2. Inaugural Season (1996)MLS kicked off on April 6, 1996, with ten teams: D.C. United, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls), Tampa Bay Mutiny, Colorado Rapids, Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas), Kansas City Wiz (now Sporting Kansas City), Los Angeles Galaxy, and San Jose Clash (now San Jose Earthquakes). D.C. United won the first MLS Cup in 1996.
3. Struggles and Stabilization (1997–2001)Despite early enthusiasm, MLS struggled with low TV ratings, small crowds, and significant financial losses. In 2001, two teams—Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion—were shut down, reducing the league to ten teams. This was a critical point in league survival. Owners like Lamar Hunt and Phil Anschutz kept the league afloat by owning and investing in multiple teams during this time.
4. Growth and Expansion (2002–2010)MLS began to stabilize and grow, particularly through the creation of soccer-specific stadiums. Columbus Crew Stadium, opened in 1999, set the trend. The league began adding new teams, including Real Salt Lake in 2005 and Toronto FC in 2007—marking the league's first Canadian club. In 2009, Seattle Sounders FC entered with strong fan support and high attendance.
In 2007, the league introduced the Designated Player Rule, often called the "Beckham Rule," which allowed clubs to sign high-profile players outside the standard salary cap. David Beckham's arrival at LA Galaxy that year elevated the league's global profile.
5. Rapid Expansion and Popularity Surge (2011–2019)The 2010s saw a wave of successful expansion and a rise in popularity. New clubs like Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps joined in 2011. New York City FC and Orlando City SC followed in 2015. Atlanta United FC, which debuted in 2017, shattered league attendance records and quickly became a model franchise. Los Angeles FC entered in 2018 and also saw strong success.
As the quality of play improved, MLS attracted better international players and coaches. The league also expanded its digital reach and embraced streaming and social media to engage younger fans.
6. Modern Era and Continued Growth (2020–Present)In 2020, Inter Miami CF began play, with David Beckham as a co-owner. In 2023, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, bringing massive attention to MLS globally.
Charlotte FC launched in 2022, and St. Louis City SC began in 2023, both drawing large crowds and strong local support. The league also signed a groundbreaking 10-year streaming rights deal with Apple in 2023, centralizing all matches on the MLS Season Pass platform.
That same year, MLS and Mexico's Liga MX expanded the Leagues Cup into a full tournament involving every club from both leagues.
7. Current Landscape (2025)As of 2025, MLS has 29 teams, with San Diego expected to join soon. The league continues to grow its influence through youth development, international partnerships, and the establishment of MLS Next Pro, a reserve/development league that supports player progression.
With global stars, improved infrastructure, and a rapidly expanding fan base, MLS is now viewed as one of the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world.