MLS Ticket Information
Major League Soccer has been on the rise in recent years in the United States as both teams and fans have been growing since its first season in 1996. In part due to a growing fan base, the recent surge in popularity amongst the MLS can be attributed to the individual athletes as well. From David Beckham to Landon Donovan and international stars like Thierry Henry, the accumulation of such familiar faces to the MLS has played a major role in its popularity growth.
The league's literal growth is happening at an exponential rate. In 2017, Minnesota United FC was added as the league's 22nd franchise and created an even 11-team Western Conference to go along with 11 teams in the Eastern Conference. In 2018, Los Angeles Football Club begins its journey. MLS has also awarded future franchises to both Miami - whose ownership group was led by soccer legend David Beckham - and Nashville, both expected to begin play in 2020.
Toronto FC - the 2017 MLS Cup champions - and Seattle Sounders FC, who won the Cup in 2016, have proved their dominance in recent years after back-to-back meetings in the league's championship round. The Eastern Conference has showed its muscle, with five teams finishing ahead of the leading Western Conference club in 2017. Teams such as FC Dallas and the LA Galaxy are expected to bounce back in 2018 and reclaim playoff spots.