How Many Games Does MLS Play: A Deep Dive into the Schedule and Beyond

Major League Soccer (MLS) is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing soccer leagues in the world. As fans and analysts alike delve into the intricacies of the league, one of the most common questions that arises is: How many games does MLS play? This question, while seemingly straightforward, opens up a broader discussion about the structure of the league, the challenges faced by teams, and the unique aspects that set MLS apart from other soccer leagues around the globe.
The Basics: How Many Games Are in an MLS Season?
To answer the primary question, MLS teams typically play 34 regular-season games in a single season. This number has evolved over the years, reflecting the league’s growth and the increasing number of teams. The 34-game schedule is divided into home and away matches, with each team playing 17 games at their home stadium and 17 on the road.
However, the number of games doesn’t stop at 34. MLS also includes playoffs, which add additional matches for the top-performing teams. The playoff structure has undergone several changes, but as of recent seasons, it typically involves a single-elimination format, with the number of games varying depending on how far a team advances. For instance, a team that makes it to the MLS Cup Final could play up to 4 additional games, bringing their total to 38 games in a season.
The Evolution of the MLS Schedule
The number of games in an MLS season hasn’t always been 34. When the league was founded in 1996, teams played a 32-game schedule. Over the years, as the league expanded and the number of teams increased, the schedule was adjusted to accommodate the growing competition. The current 34-game format was adopted in 2011 and has remained consistent since then, despite the addition of new teams.
The expansion of the league has also led to changes in how teams are grouped. MLS is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Teams primarily play against others within their own conference, with a smaller number of inter-conference games. This structure helps to reduce travel demands while maintaining a competitive balance across the league.
The Impact of International Competitions
Another factor that influences the number of games MLS teams play is participation in international competitions. MLS teams that qualify for tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions League or the U.S. Open Cup may play additional games outside of their regular season schedule. These competitions can add anywhere from a few to several more games to a team’s calendar, depending on how far they advance.
For example, a team that reaches the final of the CONCACAF Champions League could play up to 8 additional games, not including the MLS regular season and playoffs. This can lead to a congested schedule, especially for teams that are successful in multiple competitions. The physical and mental toll of playing so many games in a short period can be significant, and it often requires teams to rotate their squads to manage player fatigue.
The Role of Player Rotation and Squad Depth
Given the demanding schedule, squad depth becomes a critical factor for MLS teams. Unlike some European leagues where teams might have a winter break, MLS operates on a March-to-December calendar, with games often taking place in the heat of summer. This makes player rotation essential, as teams need to manage the workload of their players to avoid injuries and maintain performance levels throughout the season.
Coaches in MLS must carefully balance their lineups, especially during periods of fixture congestion. This is where the depth of the squad comes into play. Teams with strong benches and versatile players are better equipped to handle the rigors of a long season. Additionally, the introduction of mechanisms like Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and Designated Players (DPs) has allowed teams to invest in higher-quality players, further enhancing their ability to compete across multiple competitions.
The Unique Challenges of MLS Scheduling
One of the unique aspects of MLS scheduling is the need to accommodate other major sports leagues in the United States and Canada. Unlike soccer-centric countries where the sport dominates the calendar, MLS must compete for attention with leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. This often leads to scheduling conflicts, especially in shared stadiums.
For example, some MLS teams share their home venues with NFL teams, which can lead to scheduling challenges, particularly during the fall when both leagues are in full swing. This can result in midweek games or quick turnarounds between matches, adding another layer of complexity to the already demanding schedule.
The Future of MLS Scheduling
As MLS continues to grow, there is ongoing discussion about potential changes to the league’s schedule. One topic of debate is whether MLS should adopt a single-table format, similar to many European leagues, rather than the current conference-based system. This could lead to a more balanced schedule, with each team playing every other team an equal number of times.
Another consideration is the possibility of aligning the MLS calendar with the international soccer calendar, which runs from August to May. This would involve playing through the winter months, which could be challenging given the climate in many MLS cities. However, such a change could also facilitate better integration with international competitions and reduce fixture congestion.
Conclusion
So, how many games does MLS play? The answer is 34 regular-season games, with additional matches for teams that qualify for the playoffs or participate in international competitions. However, this number is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the complexities of MLS scheduling. From the evolution of the league’s format to the challenges of managing player fatigue and competing with other major sports, the MLS schedule is a fascinating topic that reflects the unique nature of soccer in North America.
As the league continues to expand and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the schedule adapts to meet the demands of a growing fan base, increased competition, and the ever-changing landscape of global soccer.
Related Q&A
Q: How many teams are in MLS? A: As of the 2023 season, there are 29 teams in MLS, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.
Q: Do all MLS teams play the same number of games? A: Yes, all MLS teams play 34 regular-season games. However, the number of additional games can vary depending on playoff and international competition participation.
Q: How does MLS handle scheduling conflicts with other sports? A: MLS often schedules games around other major sports events, sometimes resulting in midweek matches or quick turnarounds between games.
Q: Will MLS ever switch to a winter schedule? A: While there has been discussion about aligning the MLS calendar with the international soccer calendar, the challenges of playing through the winter months make such a change unlikely in the near future.