The Playoffs Are Coming: What's Behind MLS' Latest Format Tweaks Major League Soccer has a history of experimentation, with more playoff format changes in 31 years than some teams have won championships.
Now, with a new TV deal looming and a push to increase revenues, the league is at it again – this time proposing a significant overhaul of its postseason structure.
At the heart of the proposed changes are two main components: a single table featuring five geographically aligned divisions for scheduling purposes, and a double elimination playoff tournament involving 20 teams.