MLS at 30: How Does It Stack Up Against the World's Best?

As Major League Soccer (MLS) approaches its 30th season, it's a good time to assess its progress and place within the global football landscape. The league has seen significant growth in recent years, marked by record attendance, rising sponsorship revenue, and the high-profile arrival of Lionel Messi.1  With 30 clubs and impressive attendance figures, MLS is clearly thriving in many aspects. But the perennial question remains: how does it compare to the established giants of the sport?

MLS has undoubtedly made strides, but it's not yet in the same league as the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga. The financial disparity is significant. The Premier League's collective roster value dwarfs MLS, even with MLS boasting more teams and players. This financial gap translates to a difference in the quality and depth of players, which is a key factor in determining league strength.

However, dismissing MLS as a minor player would be a mistake. While it may not be in the top tier, it's arguably a top-10 league globally. Its player value rivals leagues like the Primeira Liga (Portugal), Eredivisie (Netherlands), and even surpasses the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League. Looking beyond pure financial value, performance on the pitch offers another perspective.

Opta's power rankings provide a glimpse into the relative strength of MLS teams. While acknowledging that some MLS teams rank quite low globally, the top teams hold their own. They are comparable to mid-table teams in Europe's top leagues. This suggests that while the overall league quality may be uneven, the top end of MLS boasts teams capable of competing at a respectable level.

A significant point of comparison is Liga MX. While Liga MX teams have had success in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, MLS has dominated the Leagues Cup, a competition pitting MLS and Liga MX teams against each other. This dominance, combined with Transfermarkt's player valuations favoring MLS, suggests that MLS has likely surpassed Liga MX in terms of overall league strength.

Beyond rankings and valuations, the style of play in MLS is also evolving. Data suggests that MLS is mirroring trends seen in top European leagues, with a decrease in vertical attacks and total possessions, and an increasing focus on higher-quality shots and sophisticated buildup play. The top MLS teams are demonstrating a greater ability to control games and create scoring opportunities, suggesting a positive trajectory in terms of playing style and tactical development.

However, the MLS playoff system, while exciting, introduces a level of unpredictability that can make it difficult to assess true league quality. The constant format changes and the inherent chaos of playoffs mean that the best regular-season teams don't always emerge as champions. This contrasts sharply with the more traditional league structures in Europe, where consistent performance throughout the season is paramount.

In conclusion, while MLS is not yet on par with the Premier League or other top European leagues, it has made significant progress and can be considered a top-10 league globally. The league boasts impressive attendance figures, rising player values, and a developing style of play that mirrors trends in top leagues.2  While the playoff system introduces a unique element of unpredictability, it doesn't diminish the overall progress that MLS has made. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it further solidifies its place in the global football landscape.