Why did MLS withdraw from 2024 US Open Cup?

Major League Soccer recently announced plans to withdraw from US Open Cup and instead be replaced by MLS Next Pro sides in the 2024 edition of the competition.

It was an announcement that left many shaking their heads, especially when 24 hours earlier the league revealed the upcoming 'changes' for the 2024 season.

Those changes were minuscule in the roster building side of things, as many fans who want to continue to see the league grow with eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi were left with the feeling that not much has changed since the 2022 World Cup winner's arrival.

Fans were hoping for things like another Designated Player spot, a higher salary cap and for the league to overall loosen the restrictions on roster building activities. But that wasn't the case, and in the league's defense, they did make some changes to enhance the matchday experience for fans that includes showing stoppage time and cracking down on time-wasting.

"Major League Soccer announced today that at its recent Board of Governors meeting, its clubs voted to have teams represent the organization in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. MLS will coordinate with U.S. Soccer regarding participation in the tournament," a league statement read.

In short, MLS first teams will not play in the US Open Cup in 2024 but instead be replaced by their MLS Next Pro affiliates, who play in the third tier of soccer below the second teams. MLS Next Pro is a developmental league that prepares young players as they blossom into potential second and first team players.

But why would Major League Soccer essentially turn their backs on the oldest soccer competition in the United States?

Like many other questions in the world, it can be answered with one word: Money. While the US Open Cup is prestigious in every way, it doesn't bring in enough revenue whether it be in the form of media deals or ticket sales when compared to something like Leagues Cup. For example, US Open Cup was broadcast for free on YouTube for the early stages of the competition before the later stages when CBS Sports Network aired the decisive games.

On the other hand, a competition likes Leagues Cup draws in tons of viewers not just from the US but also Mexico and Canada as it is a clash between teams from MLS and Liga MX. Leagues Cup was also broadcast on Apple TV, which is a dead giveaway as to why a tournament like Leagues Cup would be prioritized over US Open.

As MLS won't take part in the tournament this coming season, that doesn't mean they won't take part in it in 2025 and years beyond. While money is definitely a motivating factor in the decision, there is also the aspect of fixture congestion as well.

Teams in MLS are already expected to play 34 regular season games (plus postseason depending on how they perform), take part in Leagues Cup, some featuring in CONCACAF Champions Cup while also fielding an XI for US Open.

While teams want to give their best shot at all competitions, many will prioritize league play and Leagues Cup given the potential prize winnings -- as MLS roster building rules and regulations make it difficult to field a squad capable of taking on so many competitions at once. This may have been feasible had MLS made significant changes to said rules and regulations, but that is not the case as of right now.

The decision to not feature in the tournament that began in 1914 may not be a shock to some after MLS Commissioner Don Garber's comments back in May, as he essentially stated that many of the lower-level teams in the US didn't have the proper facilities to play host.

There are some minor pros to the league's disappointing decision, as it may keep players from picking up injuries and see MLS' overall play rise as teams now have one less competition to worry about.

Having MLS Next Pro sides take part will allow young, up-and-coming players to face off with quality opponents that will only aid their development.

However, above all it was disappointing to hear the news that MLS sides will not be competing in the upcoming Open Cup. The back-to-back announcements after fans were hoping for significant roster building changes makes the decision to back out of the competition that much more disappointing.

With Copa America coming to the US next summer and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon in North America, MLS should be taking steps to capitalize on the likes of Messi and Co. -- but the decision to not make meaningful changes to roster building guidelines and now leaving Open Cup for the following season leaves fans with little confidence for the post-Messi era of MLS.