MLS contemplating growth of playoffs

Main League Soccer is in discussions to switch its playoff construction to have as many as 30 video games, with a World Cup model format, a league supply confirmed to ESPN.

The supply cautioned that nothing has been authorised, however the playoff format shall be a subject for dialogue on the league’s subsequent Board of Governors assembly on Nov. 15.

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The Athletic was the primary to report the information.

MLS’ present playoff format entails seven qualifiers from every convention with a single elimination format that quantities to a complete of 13 video games.

The Athletic reported that one attainable new format would see eight qualifiers from every convention put into teams of 4 with the highest two groups from every group advancing to a knockout stage.

An easier home-and-away format, which might quantity to 25 video games, can also be being thought-about.

Discussions on a brand new format come within the wake of a the brand new 10-year, $2.5 billion broadcast rights cope with Apple TV that was signed in June, with the thought of increasing the league’s playoff stock.

The sensation is that 13 video games is way too brief a time to develop storylines for the postseason.

MLS has modified its playoff format quite a few instances through the years. The present format was adopted in 2019 and was designed to reward larger seeds who excelled in the course of the common season.

The earlier format had groups taking part in a home-and-away format till the MLS Cup ultimate.