MLS Must Raise Its Game to Break Into Top Five Leagues

Major League Soccer faces mounting pressure to elevate its standards, as Columbus Crew owner Jimmy Haslam openly questioned whether MLS can truly compete with the world’s elite football leagues. Haslam’s comments, delivered ahead of a crucial fixture between Columbus Crew and Orlando City, have reignited debate about the league’s global standing and what it will take for MLS to be regarded as a top-five football league.

MLS and the Quest for Top-League Status

Major League Soccer, despite its rapid expansion and increasing international profile, is not yet among the world’s most respected football competitions. Jimmy Haslam, owner of both the Columbus Crew and the Cleveland Browns, candidly admitted that “MLS has a long way to go” before it can compare itself to Europe’s giants. According to Haslam, real progress requires that MLS “put a better product on the field,” referencing both the quality of play and the entertainment value for fans.

Challenges Facing Major League Soccer

The league’s struggle to attract consistent television audiences has been a persistent issue. While the arrival of high-profile stars and investment in youth academies have improved the league’s reputation, MLS still lags behind the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 in worldwide following and competitiveness. Haslam’s critique underscores the need for MLS to invest more in player development, marketing, and infrastructure to keep pace.

Calls for Structural Changes

One idea floated by Haslam was the introduction of a promotion-relegation system, a hallmark of most top global leagues. Such a move, he suggests, could spark greater fan engagement and inject competitiveness into the league. While promotion and relegation remain controversial in North America’s sports culture, many analysts agree with Haslam that bold structural changes could help MLS close the gap with its international peers.

What Would Make MLS a Top-Five League?

Achieving top-five status is about more than just importing big-name players. Haslam emphasized that MLS must focus on homegrown talent, improved coaching, and a more exciting, competitive product on the pitch. The league’s business model—built on parity and controlled growth—has created stability but may also limit its ceiling compared to more open, free-market leagues abroad.

Investment in stadiums, youth academies, and player facilities are also essential. The increasing presence of American teams in the CONCACAF Champions League and Leagues Cup is a positive step, but consistent success against international opposition is required for MLS to be seen as a true heavyweight.

TV Audiences and Global Reach

Despite increased visibility due to deals like the one with Apple TV, MLS viewership numbers have yet to rival those of the top leagues in Europe or South America. Haslam’s comments point to the need for more engaging matches and star power to draw in fans, both domestically and abroad. Boosting media exposure and making games accessible to a global audience will be vital for the league’s growth.

MLS’s Path Forward: The Need for a Better Product

For Major League Soccer, the path to the top five is clear but challenging. The focus must remain on elevating the game itself, enhancing the fan experience, and fostering a passionate football culture. As Haslam stated, MLS’s journey is just beginning, and significant improvements will be necessary if the league is to reach its ambitious goals.

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Opinion: MLS Should Embrace Change Boldly

In my view, Jimmy Haslam’s frank assessment rings true. Major League Soccer has made impressive strides, but the time has come for transformative change. Embracing innovation—whether through promotion-relegation, heightened investment in player quality, or strategic marketing—will be crucial if MLS wants to break into the world’s top leagues. The league’s supporters, both old and new, deserve a product that truly competes at the highest level.