The Seattle Sounders’ participation in CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) has been a regular occurrence since the team joined MLS, qualifying for the ‘10-11, ‘11-12, ‘12-13, and ‘15-16 editions. The team has largely used the U.S. Open Cup to gain entry to the regional competition, although their regular-season finish in 2011 and Supporters’ Shield-claiming 2014 would have also earned them qualification. If they want to join the ‘17-18 competition, however, their only option left is to win MLS Cup.
For the ‘17-18 competition United States teams are allocated four spots, all of which are will be MLS teams (the Canadian teams are required to fight for their country’s lone allocated spot through the Canadian Championship).