The United Soccer League (USL) CEO, Paul McDonough, has expressed his disappointment with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s handling of a dispute involving Major League Soccer (MLS) and the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This dispute has had a ripple effect on the USL, as the future of the prestigious tournament, which has a long history dating back to 1914, is now uncertain. McDonough stated that a majority of the USL’s 47 teams are likely to participate in the tournament, spread across three divisions, but individual USL teams will ultimately make the final decision on their participation. He criticized the USSF for not handling the situation in a stronger or better fashion, expressing his disappointment with the need for USL teams to make a decision regarding their involvement in the Open Cup.
According to MLS commissioner Don Garber, the primary issue at the heart of the dispute is an increasingly crowded schedule in professional soccer. The introduction of new competitions like the Leagues Cup has led to challenges in managing the schedule effectively. MLS announced in December that its first teams would not participate in the 2024 Open Cup, with teams from MLS Next Pro, the reserve league, taking their place. This decision was met with resistance from the USSF, which initially denied MLS’ request.
While discussions are ongoing about the format of the 2024 Open Cup and future editions, there remains uncertainty about the number of teams that will participate. Sources indicate that only eight out of the 26 U.S.-based MLS clubs are expected to enter their first teams, with additional clubs from MLS Next Pro also potentially joining. The tension between MLS and the USSF has created consternation for the USL, as the Open Cup games against MLS teams are significant for lower-tier sides in terms of revenue and exposure. Some USL teams are reconsidering their participation due to the uncertainty surrounding MLS involvement.
McDonough emphasized the importance of MLS teams participating in the Open Cup, citing their financial contribution as a key factor in the competition’s success. There are concerns that if MLS teams begin to withdraw from the tournament, interest may decline, potentially jeopardizing the future of the U.S. Open Cup. The USL’s frustration has been compounded by the perceived lack of resolution from the USSF, as the organization believed the issue had been resolved in December only to face additional challenges in January. The qualification process for the 2024 tournament has already commenced at the amateur level, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The dispute over the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup reflects the challenges of managing a crowded schedule in professional soccer. The conflicting interests of MLS, the USSF, and the USL have created uncertainty regarding the format and participation in the tournament. The financial implications of MLS teams withdrawing from the Open Cup are significant, raising concerns about the tournament’s future. As discussions continue and decisions are made in the coming days, the soccer community awaits clarity on the resolution of this dispute and the long-term impacts on one of the oldest competitions in U.S. soccer history.
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