MLS’s Participation in the U.S. Open Cup: A Revised Approach
Amidst uncertainty surrounding MLS’s involvement in the U.S. Open Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation recently announced a revised plan for the 2024 national tournament. Initially, MLS intended to field developmental squads instead of their first teams, sparking controversy within the soccer community.
In a compromise, eight out of the 26 U.S.-based MLS teams will compete in the 96-team tournament, while nine others will utilize their developmental squads from the third division, MLS Next Pro. This decision leaves nine MLS organizations without representation, including D.C. United, a notable three-time tournament champion.
D.C. United’s absence from the tournament is attributed to their low finish in the 2023 MLS season and the lack of an MLS Next Pro team. Despite this, the club remains eager to participate, as expressed by Coach Troy Lesesne.
MLS and USSF officials are actively collaborating to find long-term solutions for the U.S. Open Cup. The future of MLS first teams’ participation remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and negotiations between the league and federation.
Now in its 110th year, the U.S. Open Cup, inspired by the English FA Cup, features teams from various levels competing in a single-elimination format. The tournament, administered by USSF, is renowned as the world’s third-longest national cup tournament.
MLS has historically voiced concerns about the financial burden and schedule conflicts associated with the U.S. Open Cup. However, the league initiated its own competition, the Leagues Cup, involving all 47 MLS and Mexican Liga MX teams. To accommodate this event, the regular MLS season is paused for a month, with revenue and TV rights controlled by the participating leagues.
In response to MLS’s initial attempt to send MLS Next Pro teams to the U.S. Open Cup, the USSF intervened, citing league sanctioning requirements. Notably, discussions did not raise the possibility of stripping sanctioning from MLS, according to MLS executive vice president Nelson Rodriguez.
While specific financial details were not disclosed, USSF announced its most substantial investment in the tournament to date, focusing on increased travel reimbursement and enhanced promotion for participating teams. To alleviate scheduling conflicts, only one MLS team competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup will also enter the U.S. Open Cup, streamlining participation in multiple tournaments.
As MLS and USSF navigate the evolving landscape of the U.S. Open Cup, continued collaboration and adaptation are essential to ensure the tournament’s success and sustainability.