How many teams are in MLS for 2023 season?

With the addition of St. Louis City SC, there will be 29 clubs throughout the United States and Canada in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023.

That will be broken down to 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and 14 teams in the Western Conference. The expansion team St Louis City SC joined the Western Conference, with Nashville SC moving back to the Eastern Conference.

The 28th season of MLS kicks off on February 25 and end on October 21. It will then be followed by the playoffs. 

The regular season will be paused from July 21 to August 19 for the month-long Leagues Cup, during which time MLS teams will play Liga MX opponents.

Los Angeles FC are the reigning MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield champions; Philadelphia Union are the Eastern Conference champions.

Nine teams have joined MLS in the last six years – Atlanta United and Minnesota United in 2017, Los Angeles FC – in 2018, FC Cincinnati – in 2019, Inter Miami and Nasville SC – in 2020, Austin FC – in 2021, Charlotte FC – in 2022, St. Louis City joined this year.

MLS is actively looking to grow to 30 teams as soon as possible with commissioner Don Garber saying last month MLS will “try and get something done with our 30th team within the next 10 months.”

More on this topic:

Cavan Sullivan breaks MLS record for youngest debut

“We have not yet determined when that 30th team will start playing,” Garber added. “The 30th team will not be in by 2023 [for Leagues Cup]. That’s something everybody should be aware of.”

In a recent interview with the Sports Business Journal, MLS commissioner Don Garber considered San Diego a “priority market.” MLS is looking for its 30th franchise by the end of the calendar year. pic.twitter.com/IbJrmRjPZs

— Everything San Diego (@ESDSports_) February 13, 2023

There are not active plans yet to go beyond 30 teams, however the existence of multiple confirmed candidates to join MLS suggests further expansion is possible in the future.

Sacramento had previously been awarded an expansion team only for investors to pull out at the start of the pandemic in a heartbreaking twist for Sacramento Republic FC.

There are no longer active plans to bring the club to MLS, and the Republic have no chance of being the 30th team.

Sacramento, however, will likely make a renewed push to enter the United States’ top division if MLS expands again.

If you’re ready to bet on MLS picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. The best MLS Sport Betting Sites offer secure banking, best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service.