For the first time since 2003, the top seeds in each conference advanced to MLS Cup. Naturally, MLS now wants to change the format that was designed with this being one of its express purposes — rewarding regular-season excellence.
The Athletic reported last week that MLS is mulling some significant changes to the playoff format that could be implemented as early as next year. The two leading candidates are a return to the two-legged series similar to what was used from 2003-2018, or a new format that would feature group stages.
One of the main driving forces behind this change is an apparent request from Apple — the league’s new streaming partner — to increase the inventory of playoff games.