The U.S. Soccer Federation recently unveiled the format for the 2023-24 U.S. Open Cup, shedding light on the participation of MLS teams in the prestigious tournament. Only eight out of the 26 MLS teams will be fielding their first teams in the competition. This move has raised eyebrows among soccer fans, as it sparks a debate on the inclusivity of the tournament. The U.S. Open Cup, with a rich history dating back to 1914, allows both professional and amateur teams to compete against each other in a thrilling single-elimination format.
One significant change in the tournament’s format is that all the first-round matchups will feature amateur teams facing off against professional ones. This alteration injects a sense of unpredictability and excitement into the competition, as lower-tier clubs have the opportunity to challenge their more illustrious opponents. Additionally, the USSF has secured new commercial partnerships with brands like Marriott, Michelob Ultra, New York Life, and Nike. These collaborations have enabled the federation to enhance financial incentives for participating teams, including increased travel reimbursements.
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed his gratitude to the members for providing valuable input to improve the U.S. Open Cup. He emphasized the federation’s commitment to preserving the tradition and significance of the tournament while exploring avenues for its further enhancement. MLS’ EVP of sporting product and competition, Nelson Rodriguez, highlighted the economic changes in the tournament, such as the elimination of hosting fees and increased revenue sharing for hosts. Despite facing criticism from MLS Commissioner Don Garber, the USSF stood firm in its decision to maintain a competitive and inclusive format for the 2023-24 U.S. Open Cup.
While the U.S. Open Cup enjoys a loyal following among soccer enthusiasts, it has struggled to attract substantial investment and broaden its audience. MLS’s decision not to field its first teams in the tournament has sparked concerns about the competition’s future. The prospect of MLS Next Pro teams replacing top-flight teams in the Open Cup raised objections from both fans and stakeholders. While the USSF faced pressure from various quarters, they ultimately decided to include a mix of MLS and lower-tier teams in the 2023-24 format. This hybrid approach led to mixed reactions within the soccer community, with the USL expressing disappointment over the handling of the situation by U.S. Soccer.
Looking ahead, the USSF is establishing a “working group” to collaborate with stakeholders in determining the tournament format for 2025 and beyond. This proactive approach indicates the federation’s willingness to engage with the broader soccer community to ensure the U.S. Open Cup’s continued relevance and appeal. The ongoing discussions and negotiations reflect a collective effort to strike a balance between tradition and innovation in one of the oldest soccer competitions in the United States. As the soccer landscape evolves, the U.S. Open Cup remains a bastion of competition, passion, and camaraderie for teams across all levels of the sport.