Apparently, MLS also stands for Multiple Listing Service, a type of property listing service used by real estate professionals. Since ComposeMD doesn’t partake in matters of practical concern, MLS here refers to Major League Soccer, as in the American soccer league that is bordering on legitimacy. (Hey, at least I’m not talking about baseball again.) Anyway, these are the 10 numbers you need to know if you’re looking to add yet another sport to the ball and chain that prevents you from being productive.
1993
The year MLS was founded (as part of the negotiations that landed the 1994 World Cup in the US). The 10-team inaugural season took place in 1996. Headquartered in New York City, the league owns all teams and player contracts, though each team has an investor-operator that is an MLS shareholder.
30
The number of teams currently in MLS, 27 being in the US and 3 in Canada.
As of 2025, the represented metro areas are Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (2), Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, Nashville, New York (2), Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC.
Unlike most soccer leagues worldwide, there is no promotion and relegation process between MLS and lower-tier leagues.
34
The number of regular-season games played by each team. After the regular season, which lasts from February to October, 18 teams—9 from the Eastern Conference and 9 from the Western Conference—participate in the playoffs, which last from October to December.
2007
The year MLS implemented the Designated Player Rule, allowing teams to sign up to three players outside their salary cap and thus compete for star players in the international market. As David Beckham was the first such signee, the bylaw is known as the Beckham Rule.
48.5%
The percentage of MLS players born in the US or Canada. Those in the other 51.5% come from 77 different countries.
$2.5 billion
An estimate of the annual revenue generated by MLS. That’s good for fifth in the US behind the NFL, MLB, the NBA, and the NHL. The English Premier League (EPL)—currently the gold standard for global soccer leagues—rakes in around $8 billion per year.
$2.5 billion
The amount Apple paid for MLS broadcast (streaming) rights over a 10-year span starting in 2023.
$530,262
The average MLS player salary.
23,000
The average attendance at each MLS game, better than all American sports leagues besides the NFL and MLB.
15
The ranking of MLS among 413 soccer leagues worldwide, according to Opta Power Rankings. Of course, this status is in a constant state of flux, but it does place MLS as the second best non-European league (behind the one in Brazil).
You’re welcome for motivating you to waste more time.
(This article was updated on May 29, 2025.)
