England, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. What do those countries have in common? They each have a multi-league soccer system connected by promotions and relegations; a team in these leagues is elevated to a better league within their respective country if they perform well and lowered if they do not. 

The United States soccer system consists of multiple disconnected leagues, with the MLS at the top, followed by the USL.

I do not believe it is a coincidence that the MLS lacks popularity and revenue, despite the large population of the U.S. The league is uninteresting, and it is the same thing every year: regular season, playoffs, and repeat. 

As seen in numerous countries, a promotion-relegation system influences passion and eagerness to win. Being in the top league is cherished because each team needs to earn its spot. All you need to be a part of the next season MLS season is to have participated in the previous one.

The best example of a promotion-relegation system is in England. England has eight leagues, connected by promotion and regulation. In English “football,” any team can find their way into the top flight: the Premier League. The Premier League is soccer at its best. The most talented players in the world, with the most passionate fans, all fighting for a league championship and a spot in the league next year. The league is so prestigious that the goal of virtually half the teams is to just stay in it for next season. This system fosters competitiveness no matter a team’s spot on the table: the top teams fight for the championship while the bottom teams vie for a seat next season.

I am not saying the MLS can be the Premier League; the Premier League is at the pinnacle of soccer and will be for a long time. However, I believe a promotion-relegation system will vastly benefit the league. In the MLS, nothing happens if a team does not make the playoffs; there is no punishment for being subpar. A promotion-relegation system forces teams to be competitive, or they will be relegated and hurt financially due to a lower league. Therefore, teams are incentivized to spend more money, thus creating a better team, product, and spectacle for the fans. 

The MLS needs to consider this system if they want to save their league and promote better soccer in the U.S.