MLS Commissioner Don Garber Hints at Major Format Changes During All-Star Game Press Conference
One constant feature of Major League Soccer is its perpetual evolution.
Throughout its 30-season history, the league has determined its MLS Cup Champion through playoff competition, yet the pathway to claiming the title has undergone numerous modifications, with clubs frequently needing to achieve different standards to secure MLS Cup Playoff berths.
However, another transformation may be on the horizon, despite the current format being established just in 2023. The present MLS Cup Playoffs feature the leading nine clubs from both the Western and Eastern Conferences following the 34-match regular campaign, with the 8th and 9th seeds meeting in a winner-take-all elimination match.
Following this single-game elimination, the surviving eight clubs from each conference compete in a best-of-three Round of 16 series, before progressing to winner-take-all matches leading to the MLS Cup Final, where the conference champions face off.
During his mid-year briefing, MLS Commissioner Don Garber hinted at potential modifications not just to the playoff structure, but to the regular season framework as well.
"We're examining an evolution of our competitive format that considers a different approach to our regular season," he stated. "Consider alternative conference structures and a revised playoff system that we believe will enhance our league's competitive nature, ensure every regular season match carries greater significance than it currently does, and captivate our supporters."
Presently, 60 percent of MLS clubs advance to the postseason, contrasting with 40 percent in MLB, 43 percent in the NFL, 50 percent in the NHL and 66.6 percent in the NBA, which features a play-in tournament. Though this percentage has decreased with league expansion, it still provides sufficient opportunity for underperforming teams to qualify, with lower-seeded clubs rarely achieving lengthy postseason campaigns.
Divisional Structure or Dual-Season Format for MLS?
While Garber couldn't offer detailed information about MLS season and playoff structure changes during his mid-year presentation, a report from former AFP correspondent Simon Evans indicated the league might be exploring a divisional framework.
A divisional approach could involve MLS subdividing its conferences and scheduling more geographically-focused matches, similar to strategies employed by the NHL and NFL. Nevertheless, this would likely result in fewer contests between major metropolitan areas, such as Inter Miami versus LAFC.
Another possibility under consideration could involve adopting Liga MX's Clausura and Apertura dual-season format, and constructing an MLS Cup Playoff structure around that concept; though this would deviate from established practices in American professional athletics.
"It's premature to discuss that [prospect of divisions or a Clausura/Apertura format]," Garber continued. "We have a truly compelling format that will be prepared for presentation once we complete all the procedural aspects, and we'll address that either before or during the year-end press conference, but it will be outstanding."
"And it will make the regular season more significant. It will be better aligned with global standards regarding how they conduct their competitions."