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MLS Commits All Teams to 2027 U.S. Open Cup
2 Sep
Summary
- All 27 MLS teams will compete in the 2027 U.S. Open Cup starting in July.
- The tournament prize money will double to $1 million in 2025.
- MLS teams had previously withdrawn, citing schedule congestion.
All 27 U.S.-based Major League Soccer teams will compete in the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, with participation confirmed by sources. The MLS contingent will enter the competition in the Round of 64 in July, and the final is slated for December. This new schedule avoids conflict with the Leagues Cup, a joint MLS-Liga MX tournament.
The U.S. Open Cup has seen substantial enhancements recently. Prize money is set to double to $1 million starting in 2025, and CBS has secured media rights for 2025 and 2026. This marks the first time since 2023 that all eligible MLS teams will join the competition, which dates back to 1913-14.
MLS had controversially announced its withdrawal in December 2023, citing schedule congestion. This decision also paved the way for MLS Next Pro teams to enter the tournament. The league's previous move faced significant pushback from various soccer stakeholders.
U.S. Soccer initially resisted MLS's request to withdraw, as it appeared to violate Professional League Standards. However, an agreement was reached allowing MLS to field a limited number of teams in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
