The quality of soccer in North America is currently at a higher level than ever before, but this wasn’t achieved overnight. Major League Soccer, the best professional league on the continent, wasn’t an instant success and it took a lot of work to build its infrastructure, finances, and expertise. This institution continues to gain respect from the fans and to attract some of the biggest names in the sport. It’s very interesting to look back through the decades and track progress in several key areas.
MLS in the 1990s: Humble Beginnings and Big Ambitions
After nearly a decade without a major league, the United States finally got its top-tier in order when Major League Soccer started play in 1996. This was done soon after the completion of the first World Cup played in the country, at a time when the level of interest or at least curiosity for the game was on the rise. Initially, there were just 10 teams in the league and some of them were located in relatively small markets, with two more joining in 1998. This setup was far from ideal from a financial standpoint, while the lack of experience in managing an elite soccer competition contributed to the early troubles, including a lawsuit filed by the players against the MLS. Still, the nascent league had a long-term vision and aimed to become a true major league on par with the NFL and NBA.
MLS in the 2000s: Overcoming Challenges and Adjusting to Reality
At the turn of the century, MLS was far from sure thing and it continued to face financial hardship for several more years, resulting in two teams closing shop. Frequent rule changes in this period certainly didn’t make it any easier for American fans to develop an attachment to a sport they felt as foreign. Standardisation of the rules and focus on player development removed some of the biggest barriers to growth. The fortunes of the league started shifting around the middle of this decade, with several notable players who made their names in the MLS reaching international prominence. Equally impactful was the arrival of European stars such as David Beckham, who created headlines and made the struggling league relevant. Soon thereafter, Major League Soccer started expanding again but this time focused more intensely on major cities that could realistically support a professional team.
MLS in the 2010s: Rapid Expansion and Increased Visibility
Popularity of the league was steadily growing, and the number of visitors at games approached the levels seen in the NBA. By the year 2012, MLS had 19 franchises including 3 located north of the border. This gave it a bigger presence in the public consciousness and led to more grassroots interest. The growth significantly accelerated and the number of teams reached 26 by the end of the decade, while the influx of international talent followed suit. The result was a more competitive league that could put a highly entertaining product on the field, with much improved financial situation. This is the period when MLS finally removed any lingering doubts about its long-term viability and started being taken seriously by the American sports establishment. It also became more attractive to bettors who tried to take advantage of MLS betting odds Canada and US sportsbook operators were offering.
MLS in the 2020s: Joining the Big Boys’ Table
At present time, Major League Soccer still can’t compare favourably to the best European leagues but the gap is shrinking. Average attendance has already surprised 20,000 spectators per game, good for seventh best among all professional soccer leagues in the world. With 30 participating teams as of 2025, MLS also holds the distinction of being the largest top-tier league globally. Buoyed partly by expansion fees that stretch into nine figures, the league is now squarely in the black and can afford to pay the best players competitive salaries. In turn, this is enabling higher quality of play which is certain to draw in more casual fans in the near future. However, MLS can’t take the foot of the pedal since there is a lot more do be done before it really earns its place among the elite soccer institutions.