Recent reports suggest that preliminary plans for the 2024 edition of the U.S. Open Cup have been approved by a subcommittee of the U.S. Soccer Federation board of directors. It seems that the upcoming tournament will undergo significant changes compared to recent editions. According to a source close to the USSF, the tournament in 2024 may feature a hybrid format, with not every MLS team participating. While complete details are still being finalized, the decision to proceed with the tournament in 2024 has been made. The extent of team participation from MLS and USL clubs is yet to be determined.
The source also revealed that the federation plans to make its largest financial investment ever to ease the cost of travel and assist with promotion, particularly for lower-division teams. This format, however, is expected to be a one-time occurrence in 2024. Discussions are underway with all stakeholders to collaboratively determine a permanent long-term format for the tournament. The first edition of the U.S. Open Cup took place in 1914, and its future has been uncertain since MLS announced that its first teams would not participate in the competition.
MLS’ decision not to participate in the U.S. Open Cup has raised questions about the league’s adherence to the USSF’s Professional League Standards. These standards require teams from a topflight outdoor league to participate in all representative U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF competitions for which they are eligible. MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the need for the soccer business to rethink how competitions are organized to manage the demanding schedule of professional soccer.
The USL, which has been a longstanding participant in the U.S. Open Cup, expressed its support for the tournament and emphasized its importance in American soccer culture. While the USL declined to comment on the most recent developments regarding the tournament format, the league reiterated its commitment to working with owners and U.S. Soccer to shape the future of the Open Cup. MLS’ request to allow MLS Next Pro teams to represent the league in the 2024 tournament was denied by the USSF after thoughtful consideration.
The decision-making process regarding the U.S. Open Cup has faced internal challenges, with the formation of a new subcommittee creating tension within the existing U.S. Open Cup committee. Arthur Mattson, the committee chairman and former USSF board member, resigned from his position due to conflicts with the newly formed subcommittee. This suggests that the future of the Open Cup is uncertain, despite efforts to mitigate potential risks to the tournament’s continuity.
The future of the U.S. Open Cup remains a topic of debate and uncertainty, with discussions ongoing about its format and stakeholder involvement. The tournament’s rich history and significance in American soccer culture underscore the importance of finding a sustainable and inclusive long-term format that resonates with fans and participants alike. While challenges persist, there is hope that the U.S. Open Cup will continue to thrive and evolve in the years to come.