US Open Cup changes: What MLS clubs need to know
By Billy McGee (@iambillymcgee)
The MLS Schedule is being shaken up even more starting next season, with some changes coming to the US Open Cup.
Fans will love to see that all 27 American MLS teams will once again be competing in the competition after the league limited the number of teams that would compete. The major changes that will impact fixture congestion are that the round of 64, which will be the first round for MLS teams, will start in July, with the final coming in December.
The timing of the US Open Cup now makes the start of the competitive season a month earlier than it would have been before the change, effectively shortening the offseason. However, there will not be a limit on the number of eligible players for the competition.
The game-day roster will be increased to 20 players, and clubs can select any player from the first team, MLS Next Pro team or academy players. With the roster changes, it gives younger players more of an opportunity to make their first-team debut and even possibly break into the squad, as they will be able to rotate the squad more easily now.
Another change in the competition is the prize money being doubled, incentivizing winning even more.
The 2027-2028 season will now see the US Open Cup start in July, the Leagues Cup and MLS regular season start in August, and Concacaf Champions Cup begin in February. This could lead to some heavy fixture congestion early in the season, but a light load in the second half of the season, especially for teams that are not in Concacaf Champions Cup.
For more of a look at the schedule change and its possible effects, read our previous article here.
