High Point, NC (March 1, 2024) –During the past few months, Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer have worked together to discuss the evolution of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup that will set the foundation for the future growth of the tournament to benefit all stakeholders. The conversations focused on increasing the overall investment in the Open Cup, including improved economics for all participants, providing young players with important developmental opportunities, reducing schedule congestion for MLS clubs, and addressing load management concerns to aid player health and safety.
We are grateful to U.S. Soccer for their leadership on these efforts to evolve the Open Cup and increase their investment to benefit the tournament as a whole.
MLS and U.S. Soccer have reached an agreement that will see eight MLS clubs and 11 MLS NEXT Pro teams in the Open Cup for 2024.  
- MLS Clubs - The eight MLS clubs will include Houston Dynamo FC (last year’s Open Cup champion) and the top seven ranked U.S.-based teams according to the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings, other than clubs playing in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
- MLS NEXT Pro Clubs - The 11 participating MLS NEXT Pro teams will include nine MLS affiliates and two independent clubs (including Carolina Core FC). The nine MLS-affiliated teams competing will be based on the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro final standings, other than those clubs whose MLS first teams are participating in either the 2024 U.S. Open Cup or 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
MLS teams will only play lower division opponents until it cannot be avoided, enhancing the tournament's drama and appeal.
We look forward to continuing our work with U.S. Soccer and all Open Cup stakeholders to elevate the tournament, benefiting players, clubs, and fans alike.
