MLS Commissioner Says Promotion and Relegation Won't Happen Soon 2026

MLS promotion and relegation is a hot topic among soccer fans, but the league's incoming commissioner Larry Berg has made it clear that the system won't be adopted anytime soon. In his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Berg stated that he doesn't think bringing "pro/rel" to North America is "appropriate" for building a sustainable league.

Berg, a co-owner of Los Angeles FC, emphasized that the current structure—where the league office owns all team rights and player contracts—has been key to attracting investors and building stadiums and training facilities. He argued that promotion and relegation would create too much financial risk for owners, potentially slowing the league's growth.

Why MLS Avoids Promotion and Relegation

The single-entity structure is unique among global soccer leagues. It reduces risk by centralizing ownership, which helped MLS survive its early years and expand from 10 teams in 2000 to 30 teams by 2026. Berg believes that the severe jeopardy of relegation would deter investment in rosters and infrastructure, which are essential for the league's long-term health.

Instead, Berg proposes creating "jeopardy" through the regular season and playoffs, which already provide high-stakes matches. He noted, "There are other ways to create jeopardy during the regular season, and again in the playoffs." This approach keeps fans engaged without threatening the financial stability of clubs.

The USL Championship and Internal Pro/Rel

While the USL Championship serves as a second division, there is no formal relationship with MLS. After the pandemic, MLS teams pulled their reserve teams from the USL, ending any cooperation. Some have suggested an internal promotion and relegation system within MLS itself, but Berg dismissed this idea, saying it's not a "great way to build a league."

Expansion has been rapid, and the possibility of more teams joining could theoretically make internal pro/rel more feasible. However, Berg's comments suggest that the league's priority remains controlled growth and investor confidence, not structural upheaval.

Comparison: MLS vs. European Leagues

This table highlights the fundamental differences. While European leagues offer the drama of relegation battles, MLS prioritizes financial stability and long-term planning. Berg's stance aligns with the league's historical approach, which has successfully attracted major investors like David Beckham and Lionel Messi.

What Fans Should Expect

• No promotion or relegation in the foreseeable future.
• Continued expansion, possibly to 32 or more teams.
• Emphasis on playoff excitement and regular-season rivalries.
• Potential new competitions to create additional stakes.

For fans hoping for pro/rel, Berg's comments are a disappointment, but they reflect the pragmatic reality of North American sports. The league will continue to innovate within its current framework, focusing on delivering high-quality soccer and engaging narratives.

FAQ

In summary, MLS promotion and relegation remains off the table, but the league is committed to creating excitement through playoffs and expansion. Berg's leadership will focus on sustainable growth, ensuring the league's popularity continues to rise.