The U.S. Soccer Federation recently unveiled the revised format for the 2023-24 U.S. Open Cup, bringing changes to the structure of the competition. In a departure from previous editions, only eight out of 26 Major League Soccer (MLS) teams will have their first teams participate in the upcoming tournament. This shift marks a significant change in the landscape of the competition, with MLS teams like Atlanta United FC, FC Dallas, and LAFC set to field their top squads. Additionally, the competition will see eight Division I teams, 24 Division II teams, 32 Division III teams, and 32 Open Division teams vying for the coveted title.
Dating back to 1914, the U.S. Open Cup holds a rich history as one of the oldest soccer competitions in the United States. The tournament’s unique format allows professional and amateur teams to compete side by side in a single-elimination format, creating exciting underdog stories as lower-tier teams take on their more established counterparts. The upcoming 2023-24 edition will see all 32 matchups in the first round featuring amateur teams facing off against professional clubs, setting the stage for potential upsets and unexpected outcomes.
With new commercial partners such as Marriott, Michelob Ultra, New York Life, and Nike onboard, the U.S. Soccer Federation has ramped up its efforts to provide increased financial incentives for participating teams. This includes higher travel reimbursements and improved revenue-sharing opportunities for host teams. The federation has also committed to amplifying its promotional efforts to raise awareness and engagement around the tournament. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson emphasized the importance of member feedback in shaping the tournament’s future, highlighting the collaborative efforts to enhance the U.S. Open Cup experience for all stakeholders.
While the U.S. Open Cup has historically garnered support from soccer enthusiasts, it has faced challenges in attracting investments and expanding its audience. The tournament’s future came into question when MLS announced that its first teams would not participate in the competition, leading to concerns about its sustainability. MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed reservations about the tournament’s structure, citing fixture congestion as a primary concern. The decision to exclude MLS first teams raised issues at both the domestic and confederation levels, underscoring the complexities surrounding the tournament’s format and participation criteria.
Following deliberations and discussions among stakeholders, the USSF announced a hybrid format for the 2023-24 U.S. Open Cup, incorporating a mix of MLS first teams and lower-tier clubs. This decision, while met with mixed reactions, aims to strike a balance between competitiveness and inclusivity in the tournament. Moving forward, the USSF plans to establish a working group to collaborate with stakeholders and determine the format for future editions of the U.S. Open Cup. By engaging with key partners and soliciting feedback from the soccer community, the federation seeks to evolve the tournament and foster the growth of soccer across diverse communities in the United States.
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