# Major League Soccer > professional soccer league in the USA and Canada **Wikidata**: [Q18543](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18543) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Soccer) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/major-league-soccer ## Summary Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in the USA and Canada, founded in 1993 as Major League Professional Soccer (MLPS) and rebranded as MLS in 1995. It is the top professional soccer league in North America, featuring teams from both the United States and Canada, and operates under the governance of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association. ## Key Facts - Founded in 1993 as Major League Professional Soccer (MLPS) and rebranded as MLS in 1995. - Composed of 29 teams across the United States and Canada, divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. - Operated under the governance of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association. - Includes teams such as Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, and others. - Features notable figures like Don Garber, who served as the league's commissioner. - Has a history of expansion, including the addition of teams like Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC. - Includes defunct teams such as Chivas USA, Miami Fusion, and Tampa Bay Mutiny. - Home to notable venues like Providence Park (Portland Timbers) and Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders). - Sponsored by entities like Alaska Airlines and Red Bull. - Has a significant digital presence through its official website, MLSsoccer.com, launched in 2010. - Includes teams like FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, and FC Dallas. - Features teams like Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, and New England Revolution. - Includes teams like New York City FC, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, and Real Salt Lake. - Features teams like San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis City SC, and Toronto FC. - Includes teams like Vancouver Whitecaps FC and CF Montréal. ## FAQs **What is the structure of Major League Soccer?** Major League Soccer consists of 29 teams divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. The league operates under the governance of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association, with teams based in both the United States and Canada. **Who are some notable figures in Major League Soccer?** Notable figures in Major League Soccer include Don Garber, who served as the league's commissioner, and various team owners and executives who have shaped the league's development. **What are some notable venues in Major League Soccer?** Notable venues in Major League Soccer include Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers, and Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Sounders. These stadiums host major matches and events within the league. **What is the history of Major League Soccer?** Major League Soccer was founded in 1993 as Major League Professional Soccer (MLPS) and rebranded as MLS in 1995. The league has a history of expansion, including the addition of teams like Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC, and has included defunct teams such as Chivas USA, Miami Fusion, and Tampa Bay Mutiny. **What are some notable teams in Major League Soccer?** Notable teams in Major League Soccer include Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis City SC, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. ## Why It Matters Major League Soccer plays a pivotal role in the global soccer landscape by providing a professional platform for soccer in the USA and Canada. As the top professional soccer league in North America, MLS has significantly contributed to the growth and development of soccer in the region, offering a competitive environment for both local and international players. The league's influence extends beyond its borders, with teams like Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC representing North America on the international stage. MLS has also fostered community engagement and youth development through initiatives like youth academies and community outreach programs. Additionally, the league's digital presence and media coverage have expanded its reach, making it a key player in the global soccer market. By providing a platform for local talent and promoting the sport's growth, MLS has made a substantial impact on the soccer ecosystem in North America and beyond. ## Notable For - Being the top professional soccer league in the USA and Canada. - Operating under the governance of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association. - Including teams such as Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, and others. - Featuring notable figures like Don Garber, who served as the league's commissioner. - Having a history of expansion, including the addition of teams like Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC. - Including defunct teams such as Chivas USA, Miami Fusion, and Tampa Bay Mutiny. - Home to notable venues like Providence Park (Portland Timbers) and Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders). - Sponsored by entities like Alaska Airlines and Red Bull. - Having a significant digital presence through its official website, MLSsoccer.com, launched in 2010. - Including teams like FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, and FC Dallas. - Featuring teams like Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, and New England Revolution. - Including teams like New York City FC, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, and Real Salt Lake. - Featuring teams like San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis City SC, and Toronto FC. - Including teams like Vancouver Whitecaps FC and CF Montréal. ## Body ### Overview Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in the USA and Canada, founded in 1993 as Major League Professional Soccer (MLPS) and rebranded as MLS in 1995. It is the top professional soccer league in North America, featuring teams from both the United States and Canada, and operates under the governance of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association. The league consists of 29 teams divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. MLS has a rich history, including notable figures like Don Garber, who served as the league's commissioner, and a history of expansion, including the addition of teams like Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC. The league also includes defunct teams such as Chivas USA, Miami Fusion, and Tampa Bay Mutiny. MLS is home to notable venues like Providence Park (Portland Timbers) and Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders), and is sponsored by entities like Alaska Airlines and Red Bull. The league has a significant digital presence through its official website, MLSsoccer.com, launched in 2010. ### Structure and Components Major League Soccer consists of 29 teams divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. The league operates under the governance of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Canadian Soccer Association. Key components include: - **Teams**: Teams such as Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis City SC, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. - **Conferences**: Eastern and Western conferences, each consisting of multiple teams. - **Venues**: Notable venues like Providence Park (Portland Timbers) and Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders). - **Sponsors**: Entities like Alaska Airlines and Red Bull. - **Digital Presence**: Official website, MLSsoccer.com, launched in 2010. ### History and Development Major League Soccer was founded in 1993 as Major League Professional Soccer (MLPS) and rebranded as MLS in 1995. The league has a rich history, including notable figures like Don Garber, who served as the league's commissioner. Key milestones include: - **Founding**: 1993 as Major League Professional Soccer (MLPS). - **Rebranding**: 1995 as MLS. - **Expansion**: Addition of teams like Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC. - **Defunct Teams**: Inclusion of defunct teams such as Chivas USA, Miami Fusion, and Tampa Bay Mutiny. ### Teams and Venues Major League Soccer includes a diverse range of teams and venues, including: - **Teams**: Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis City SC, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. - **Venues**: Providence Park (Portland Timbers), Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders), and other notable stadiums. ### Sponsors and Digital Presence Major League Soccer is sponsored by entities like Alaska Airlines and Red Bull, and has a significant digital presence through its official website, MLSsoccer.com, launched in 2010. The league's digital presence includes: - **Website**: MLSsoccer.com. - **Social Media**: Active presence on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. - **Content**: Provides content for fans, including match highlights, news, and updates. ### Significance and Impact Major League Soccer plays a pivotal role in the global soccer landscape by providing a professional platform for soccer in the USA and Canada. As the top professional soccer league in North America, MLS has significantly contributed to the growth and development of soccer in the region, offering a competitive environment for both local and international players. The league's influence extends beyond its borders, with teams like Inter Miami CF and Toronto FC representing North America on the international stage. MLS has also fostered community engagement and youth development through initiatives like youth academies and community outreach programs. Additionally, the league's digital presence and media coverage have expanded its reach, making it a key player in the global soccer market. By providing a platform for local talent and promoting the sport's growth, MLS has made a substantial impact on the soccer ecosystem in North America and beyond. ## References 1. [Who's Got Next? Soccer, that's Who.. 2014](https://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/new_logo_for_mls_by_athletics_and_berliner_benson.php) 2. [15 Years of The Don: Under Garber, MLS stayed afloat, has taken strides. 2014](https://www.si.com/soccer/2014/12/03/don-garber-mls-commissioner-major-league-soccer) 3. [Is MLS Inherently Anticompetitive? The Strange Single-Entity Structure of Major League Soccer in Order to Legitimize American Professional Soccer. 2018](https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1735&context=sportslaw) 4. [MLS celebrates 17th anniversary of formal debut. Major League Soccer. 2010](https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2010/12/18/mls-celebrates-17th-anniversary-formal-debut) 5. OpenCorporates 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. [Source](https://www.mlssoccer.com/) 8. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/) 9. Quora 10. KBpedia 11. YouTube API 12. MLSsoccer.com 13. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q25437)