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Soccer

MLS

How many teams are there in MLS?

The 27th season of MLS gets underway on Saturday, February 26th as Philadelphia Union face Minnesota United and will be the debut season for expansion club Charlotte FC.

Paul Reidy
Paul Reidypaulreidy67
Sep 25, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers fans celebrate after a goal during the second half against the New England Revolution at Providence Park. The game ended tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Troy WayrynenUSA TODAY Sports

The 27th edition of MLS gets underway next week with the contest between Philadelphia and Minnesota opening the campaign. The season runs through to 5 November, two weeks before the start date for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with all clubs looking to over-throw current MLS champions New York City FC.

Dec 11, 2021; Portland, OR, USA; Members of the New York City FC celebrate after defeating the Portland Timbers in the 2021 MLS Cup championship game at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports PUBLICADA 14/12/21 NA MA25 3COL
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Dec 11, 2021; Portland, OR, USA; Members of the New York City FC celebrate after defeating the Portland Timbers in the 2021 MLS Cup championship game at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports PUBLICADA 14/12/21 NA MA25 3COLJaime ValdezUSA TODAY Sports

The 2022 MLS season sees 28 teams participating as the league continues its expansion plan. This is a considerable progression from the ten clubs who took part in the inaugural campaign back in 1996 with Charlotte FC the latest club to join the league. The debutantes will play in the Eastern Conference with 14 teams in each Conference group, East and West. All teams will play every Conference opponent twice – home and away, plus eight cross-conference games against different opponents.

MLS growth

There is no let-up in the growth of the league with the 29th franchise set to join in 2023 in the shape of St. Louis FC. Sacramento were poised to be the 30th franchise but that project is currently on hold. The outline plan for MLS Comissioner Don Garber is to reach 32 participating teams.