A guide to the US models for Major League Soccer and United Soccer League
Many fans may not know that soccer has a long history in the United States. The first US soccer league was established in 1884, making it one of the oldest sports leagues in the country, second only to the National League of Baseball. Soccer was so prosperous in the 1920s that approximately fifty European players were employed with soccer clubs in the United States. However, throughout the last century and a half, the soccer landscape has experienced one failed attempt after another (primarily by leagues) to make it as beloved in the United States as it is elsewhere.
This article briefly discusses the history of soccer in the US and then compares the US’s two prominent leagues – Major League Soccer and United Soccer League – from a business and legal standpoint. Specifically, it looks at:
- how the history of soccer informs the modern game;
- the ‘single-entity’ structure and the evolution of Major League Soccer;
- the rise of the United Soccer League;
- where US soccer goes from here.
To continue reading or watching login or register here
Already a member? Sign in
Get access to all of the expert analysis and commentary at LawInSport including articles, webinars, conference videos and podcast transcripts. Find out more here.
- Tags: Commercial | Competition | Corporate | Football | Governance | Major League Soccer | Regulation | United Soccer League | United States | United States Soccer Federation (USSF)
Related Articles
- Sport, equality & discrimination – the year in review 2019/20
- São Paulo FC score victory in Chilean trademark infringement case
- UEFA’s 2020/21 competition eligibility guidelines and possible legal challenges by clubs
- Sport and employment law – the year in review 2019/20
Written by
Mohsen Parsa
Mohsen Parsa is a sports and business attorney based in Irvine, California. He currently serves as the General Counsel to the Orange County SC professional soccer team which competes in the USL Championship.
Investment in Sport
Tony Bates
Great insight. I don't expect relegation coming to MLS in my lifetime. Especially after this pandemic, when so many clubs will be hemorrhaging cash or even facing bankruptcy, I think MLS will have a "told ya so" perspective.
reply
Mohsen Parsa
Thanks for your feedback. I agree with you in that the MLS will likely be impacted by the pandemic just like every other sports league in the world. I also agree with you in that given the MLS's current structure, adopting a promotion/relegation model is likely not feasible anytime soon. However, remember that MLS is a "single entity" league and there is another promising professional league in the United States (i.e. USL) which is completely separate from the MLS. The USL is creating a model which would eventually be compatible to adopt promotion/relegation. Therefore, while we may not see promotion/relegation coming to MLS, we may eventually see promotion/relegation in another league within the United States.
reply