How Many Teams Are in the MLS

There are currently 30 teams in MLS, divided into two conferences – the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.

Each conference is designed to maintain a competitive balance and reduce the travel burden for teams during the regular season.

Let’s dive right in and look through them.

*This article was updated for the 2026 season.

Overview of MLS Teams

Eastern Conference

Atlanta United FC

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity: 42,500
Founded: 2014
Joined: 2017
Head Coach: Gerardo “Tata” Martino

Atlanta United FC quickly became an MLS powerhouse, winning the MLS Cup in 2018. The team is known for its passionate fanbase and record-breaking attendance numbers.

Charlotte FC

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
Capacity: 75,037
Founded: 2019
Joined: 2022
Head Coach: Dean Smith

Charlotte FC is one of the league’s newer expansion teams, but are already playoff regulars. The club is still chasing its first major trophy, but it has already established itself as a serious MLS market.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stadium: Soldier Field
Capacity: 62,500
Founded: 1997
Joined: 1998
Head Coach: Gregg Berhalter

Chicago Fire FC won the MLS Cup in their inaugural season and has a storied history in the league. Recent years have been more difficult, but the team is working on rebuilding and have a new soccer specific stadium being built in the city.

FC Cincinnati

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Stadium: TQL Stadium
Capacity: 26,000
Founded: 2015
Joined: 2019
Head Coach: Pat Noonan

FC Cincinnati joined MLS after a successful run in the USL. They have since grown into one of the league’s stronger modern expansion stories. After a difficult start in MLS, the club transformed into a serious contender, winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2023

Columbus Crew

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stadium: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
Capacity: 20,371
Founded: 1994
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Laurent Courtois

Columbus Crew is one of the original MLS teams and has won three MLS Cups. The club moved to a new stadium of their own in 2021, and remains one of the league’s most historic teams.

D.C. United

Location: Washington, D.C.
Stadium: Audi Field
Capacity: 20,000
Founded: 1994
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: René Weiler

D.C. United are one of MLS’s original clubs and remain one of the league’s most historically successful teams, with four MLS Cup titles. Success has been harder to come by in recent times though, with their last trophy, the US Open Cup, coming in 2013.

Inter Miami CF

Location: Miami, Florida
Stadium: Nu Stadium
Capacity: 26,700
Founded: 2018
Joined: 2020
Head Coach: Guillermo Hoyos

Co-owned by David Beckham, Inter Miami CF is another of the newer teams in the league but they made a massive impact. Made famous by signing Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have already won the MLS Cup, the Supporter’s Shield, and the Leagues Cup.

CF Montréal

Location: Montreal, Quebec
Stadium: Saputo Stadium
Capacity: 19,619
Founded: 1992
Joined: 2012
Head Coach: Philippe Eullaffroy (Interim)

CF Montréal, formerly known as Montreal Impact, brings Quebec’s French speaking football culture to MLS. The club has a deeper history than its MLS entry date suggests, but they are still searching for the consistency they need to become a regular force in the Eastern Conference.

Nashville SC

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Stadium: Geodis Park
Capacity: 30,000
Founded: 2016
Joined: 2020
Head Coach: B.J. Callaghan

Nashville SC made a strong start in MLS, reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season, and winning the US Open Cup in 2025. The team has a solid defensive foundation and is looking to build on its early success now they have had a taste of it.

New England Revolution

Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Capacity: 20,000
Founded: 1995
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Marko Mitrović

New England Revolution is one of the original MLS teams and has reached the MLS Cup Final five times without a win. Their history is full of near-misses, but the Revolution have remained a consistent presence in the Eastern Conference and one of the league’s most recognisable long-running clubs.

New York City FC

Location: New York City, New York
Stadium: Yankee Stadium
Capacity: 28,743 (for soccer)
Founded: 2013
Joined: 2015
Head Coach: Pascal Jansen

NYCFC, backed by the same ownership as Manchester City, quickly became a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, winning the MLS Cup in 2021. The club is known for attracting high-profile players and is preparing for a new era now they have their first soccer specific stadium, Etihad Park, under construction.

New York Red Bulls

Location: Harrison, New Jersey
Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Capacity: 25,000
Founded: 1994
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Michael Bradley

The New York Red Bulls are an original MLS team with a very strong academy system. They began life as the New York Metro Stars before rebranding after Red Bull bought the club. Despite regular-season success including three Supporter’s Shields, the team is still seeking its first MLS Cup title.

Orlando City SC

Location: Orlando, Florida
Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium
Capacity: 25,500
Founded: 2010
Joined: 2015
Head Coach: Martín Perelman (Interim)

Orlando City SC has developed into a regular playoff contender since joining MLS. The club won its first major MLS era trophy with the 2022 U.S. Open Cup but is still trying to turn that progress into a deeper postseason run.

Philadelphia Union

Location: Chester, Pennsylvania
Stadium: Subaru Park
Capacity: 18,500
Founded: 2008
Joined: 2010
Head Coach: Ryan Richter (Interim)

Philadelphia Union has grown into a strong team with a focus on player development and a successful academy. The club won its first Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and another in 2025, and finished second in the MLS Cup in 2022, losing the final to LAFC on penalties.

Toronto FC

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Stadium: BMO Field
Capacity: 45,736
Founded: 2005
Joined: 2007
Head Coach: Robin Fraser

Toronto FC is the first Canadian team to win an MLS Cup and one of the only MLS clubs to do the double – winning the Supporter’s Shield and the MLS Cup in the same year (2017). They won the Canadian Championship that year too, technically making it a treble, although that is not a major trophy.

Western Conference

Austin FC

Location: Austin, Texas
Stadium: Q2 Stadium
Capacity: 20,738
Founded: 2018
Joined: 2021
Head Coach: Davy Arnaud (Interim)

Austin FC was the first top-tier professional sports team in the city, so their cultural impact locally was instant. In their inaugural season in 2021 they saw very strong support from the local community. After reaching the Western Conference Final in 2022, the club is searching for greater success.

Colorado Rapids

Location: Commerce City, Colorado
Stadium: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Capacity: 18,062
Founded: 1995
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Matt Wells

The Colorado Rapids, one of the original MLS teams, won the MLS Cup in 2010. The club is focused on developing young talent and returning to the top of the Western Conference.

FC Dallas

Location: Frisco, Texas
Stadium: Toyota Stadium
Capacity: 19,096
Founded: 1995
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Eric Quill

FC Dallas is one of MLS clearest academy first clubs, having produced numerous US national team players. The club has been consistently competitive in the Western Conference, winning the Supporter’s Shield once and the U.S. Open Cup twice, but is still seeking its first MLS Cup title.

Houston Dynamo FC

Location: Houston, Texas
Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium
Capacity: 20,656
Founded: 2005
Joined: 2006
Head Coach: Ben Olsen

Houston Dynamo FC won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007. The team has experienced ups and downs in more recent years and is working to rebuild under new head coach Ben Olsen, who has already guided the team to their second U.S. Open Cup.

Sporting Kansas City

Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Stadium: Sporting Park
Capacity: 18,491
Founded: 1995
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Raphael Wicky

Sporting Kansas City, formerly known as the Kansas City Wizards, has two MLS Cup titles to its name. They also hold four U.S. Open Cups, a joint record among current MLS teams.

LA Galaxy

Location: Carson, California
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Capacity: 27,000
Founded: 1994
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Greg Vanney

The LA Galaxy is one of the most successful clubs in MLS history, with six MLS Cup titles. The team has a history of signing high-profile international players and is arguably responsible for shaping the league’s star player era – the designated player rule was invented so Beckham could join the club. That said, they won the Wooden Spoon in 2017, so things don’t always g to plan for them.

Los Angeles FC

Location: Los Angeles, California
Stadium: BMO Stadium
Capacity: 22,000
Founded: 2014
Joined: 2018
Head Coach: Marc Dos Santos

LAFC has become one of MLS’s most successful modern expansion clubs. Since joining in 2018, the club has won two Supporters’ Shields, MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup.

Minnesota United FC

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Stadium: Allianz Field
Capacity: 19,400
Founded: 2010
Joined: 2017
Head Coach: Cameron Knowles

Minnesota United FC has experienced steady growth since joining MLS, with a strong emphasis on building a competitive roster and a loyal fanbase. However, they often end up selling their best players. The team are known as the Loons, and reached the Western Conference Final in 2020.

Portland Timbers

Location: Portland, Oregon
Stadium: Providence Park
Capacity: 25,218
Founded: 1975
Joined: 2011
Head Coach: Jack Cassidy (Interim)

The Portland Timbers have a history dating back to the NASL era and won MLS Cup in 2015. Providence Park, the Timbers Army and the club’s log-sawing tradition give Portland one of the league’s most recognisable identities.

Real Salt Lake

Location: Sandy, Utah
Stadium: America First Field
Capacity: 20,213
Founded: 2004
Joined: 2005
Head Coach: Pablo Mastroeni

Real Salt Lake won the MLS Cup in 2009 and has been a consistent presence in the playoffs. The team is known for punching above its weight and building strong teams from smart recruitment and developing young talent rather than spending big. They have a strong relationship with the local community.

San Diego FC

Location: San Diego, California
Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium
Capacity: 35,000
Founded: 2023
Joined: 2025
Head Coach: Mikey Varas

In their very first season, San Diego FC came top of their conference and made it all the way to the Conference Finals in the playoffs. Although they didn’t manage the dream, they certainly made a huge impact on the league. It was one of the strongest debut seasons in a long time.

San Jose Earthquakes

Location: San Jose, California
Stadium: PayPal Park
Capacity: 18,000
Founded: 1974
Joined: 1996
Head Coach: Bruce Arena

The San Jose Earthquakes are one of MLS’s original teams and have won two MLS Cups. They have a unique history. After the 2005 season, the club went on hiatus when its owners moved the squad and staff to Houston, where they became the Houston Dynamo. San Jose returned to MLS in 2008 under new ownership, retaining their brand, club history and honors.

Seattle Sounders FC

Location: Seattle, Washington
Stadium: Lumen Field
Capacity: 37,722
Founded: 1973
Joined: 2009
Head Coach: Brian Schmetzer

Seattle Sounders FC has been one of the most successful teams in MLS since joining the league, winning two MLS Cup titles. The club is known for its passionate fans and consistently high attendance numbers. They also became the first MLS club to win the modern Concacaf Champions League in 2022.

St. Louis City SC

Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Stadium: Energizer Park
Capacity: 22,423
Founded: 2019
Joined: 2023
Head Coach: Yoann Damet

St. Louis City SC is one of the newer expansion team in MLS, winning the Western Conference in their first season, but they are still waiting for their first major trophy. After a strong start, they have got a little lost among the rest of the league.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Stadium: BC Place
Capacity: 22,120
Founded: 1973
Joined: 2011
Head Coach: Jesper Sørensen

Vancouver Whitecaps FC has a long history in North American soccer, with a dedicated fanbase and a scenic stadium location. The club has recently become one of the strongest sides in the Western Conference, reaching the 2025 MLS Cup Final after a record-breaking regular season.

MLS Expansion History

MLS Teams in 2026

MLS began with ten teams in its inaugural 1996 season.

These original teams were:

Columbus Crew SC
D.C. United
New England Revolution
NY/NJ MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls)
Tampa Bay Mutiny (defunct)
Colorado Rapids
Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas)
Kansas City Wiz (now Sporting Kansas City)
Los Angeles Galaxy (now LA Galaxy)
San Jose Clash (now San Jose Earthquakes)

Expansion Phases and New Teams

Since its establishment, MLS has gone through several expansion phases, adding new teams to the league to fuel its growth.

Some notable expansion milestones include:

1998: Chicago Fire and Miami Fusion (defunct)
2005: Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA (defunct)
2006: Houston Dynamo (New name for relocated San Jose Earthquakes)
2007: Toronto FC (first Canadian team)
2008: San Jose Earthquakes (Same name but technically a new club)
2009: Seattle Sounders FC
2010: Philadelphia Union
2011: Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC
2012: Montreal Impact (now Club de Foot Montréal)
2015: Orlando City SC and New York City FC
2017: Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC
2018: Los Angeles FC
2019: FC Cincinnati
2020: Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC
2021: Austin FC
2022: Charlotte FC
2023: St. Louis SC
2025: San Diego FC

The expansion of the league over the years is evidence of the growth in popularity of soccer across the United States. It is also testament to how much financial growth MLS has experienced.

The addition of new teams has also diversified the talent pool and created a more competitive environment across the league. This has made the league more interesting to fans, creating a virtuous cycle, attracting star names and in turn a wider fan base.

Summary

The number of teams in MLS has grown significantly since its inception, with 30 teams currently competing in the league showing a 200% increase on the 10 that started.

This growth has been driven by factors such as market size, ownership stability, stadium plans, and fan support.

As MLS continues to expand and add new teams, it will be crucial to strike a balance between maintaining competitive parity and fostering the league’s overall growth.

As the league’s profile continues to rise, it’s essential for fans and enthusiasts to stay informed about the evolving landscape of Major League Soccer.