Major League Soccer (MLS) is growing fast. More people in the USA, Canada, and even other countries are watching it every year. But many new fans often ask the same question: how many games in MLS season?
This guide will explain everything in a simple way. We will look at the number of games in the regular season, how the playoffs work, and why the schedule is made this way. By the end, you will clearly know how many games are in the MLS season and why it matters.
What Is the MLS Season?
The MLS season is made of two big parts:
- Regular Season – All teams play many games to collect points.
- Playoffs – The best teams from the regular season fight to win the MLS Cup.
So, when people ask how many games in an MLS season, we first need to see if they mean only the regular season or the whole season with playoffs.
How Many Games in MLS Regular Season?
The regular season is the heart of MLS. This is where every team plays most of its matches.
- Each MLS team plays 34 games in the regular season.
- That means 17 games at home and 17 games away.
So, the answer to how many games in MLS regular season is always 34 matches per team.
This number has stayed the same for many years. It is less than some European leagues like the English Premier League (38 matches), but it works well for MLS. Want to know how many games in a season La Liga?
How Many Games Are in the MLS Season Total?
Now, let’s answer the bigger question: how many games are in the MLS season?
- Regular Season → 34 games for each team.
- Playoffs → Some teams play extra games if they qualify.
That means:
- Every team plays at least 34 matches.
- A playoff team could play 2 to 6 extra games.
So, when people ask how many games in a MLS season, the safe answer is: 34 regular season games, plus more if the team makes playoffs.
How Many MLS Games in a Season for the Whole League?
We can also count the games for the entire league.
- Right now, MLS has 29 teams.
- Each team plays 34 matches.
- This makes about 493 regular season games in total.
That is a huge number of matches, which is why fans always have games to watch. Curious about how many games in the Serie A season? Check out the detailed article.
Why Does MLS Have 34 Games?
You may ask: why 34 games? Why not 30 or 40?
There are a few reasons:
- Big Country – Teams have to travel long distances across the USA and Canada. Too many matches would be tiring.
- Conferences – MLS is split into Eastern and Western Conferences. Teams play more against their own conference.
- Balanced Schedule – Each team plays 17 at home and 17 away, which feels fair.
So, 34 games in MLS regular season is the perfect number to keep the league competitive and manageable.Looking for details on how many games in Bundesliga season? Click here to learn more.
How Many Regular Season Games in MLS vs Playoffs
To keep it simple:
- Regular season games → 34 matches.
- Playoff games → Between 2 and 6 more, depending on how far a team goes.
For example:
- A team that does not reach the playoffs plays 34 matches only.
- The champion could play 34 + 5 playoff games.
How Many Games Left in the MLS Season?
Fans often ask during the year: how many games left in MLS season?
The answer depends on when you check:
- At the start → 34 left.
- In the middle → maybe 15–17 left.
- Near the end → only 2–3 left.
This question is very important when teams are fighting for playoff spots.
How Many Games in an MLS Season Compared to Europe
To understand better, let’s compare:
- MLS → 34 games.
- Premier League (England) → 38 games.
- La Liga (Spain) → 38 games.
- Serie A (Italy) → 38 games.
- Bundesliga (Germany) → 34 games.
So, MLS is closest to Germany’s Bundesliga in terms of number of games.
Why Every Game Matters in MLS
Since MLS teams play just 34 games, each match is very pertinent.
- Dropping points early can hurt later.
- Winning at home is very important.
- A few bad results can decide if a team makes the playoffs or not.
Hence, fans often check how many games constitute an MLS season and especially how many games are left in the MLS season when the standings get close.
MLS Cup Playoffs: Extra Matches
After the regular season, top teams play in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- Only some teams qualify.
- Playoffs are knockout-style, so you must win to stay alive.
- The champion could play several extra games.
That’s why when people ask how many games in an MLS season, the answer changes. For some teams, it’s only 34. For others, it could be 39 or 40.
How to Follow MLS Matches Easily
With hundreds of games, fans need simple ways to follow the league. Here are some tips:
- Check the official MLS website for schedules.
- Use sports apps for live scores.
- Watch games on TV or streaming platforms.
- If you enjoy Football betting, 96in.com and the 96.com app will help with live stats, odds, and updates.
MLS Games and Sports Betting
For fans who enjoy betting, knowing the schedule is very helpful.
- More games = more betting chances.
- Knowing how many games in MLS regular season helps you plan better.
- Sites like 96 betting and 96in sports betting give odds and predictions.
If you want safe betting, you can try 96in login on 96in.com. It’s one of the popular platforms for football betting, including MLS.
Key Points to Remember
- How many games in MLS season? → 34 regular season games.
- How many games in MLS regular season? → 34 games for each team.
- How many games are in the MLS season including playoffs? → 34 plus extra if the team qualifies.
- How many MLS games in a season for the whole league? → Around 493 matches.
- How many games left in MLS season? → Depends on the current stage.
- Betting fans can use 96in.com, 96in sports betting, and the 96.com app to follow MLS.
Conclusion
As perhaps it should be, each MLS team plays a 34-game regular season. Points matter so much more since the number of games is limited. That in itself is enough excitement for a “thriller” stage; oh yes, here come the playoffs. So, the very clear 34 matches are played by all MLS teams during the regular season; if they make it to the playoffs, there will be more.
If you are a casual MLS fan or probably rely on 96in.com for your best soccer betting picks, it really pays to know the number of games in the MLS season. A long season, dramatic after dramatic, and every game counts.
FAQs
Q1: How many games in MLS regular season?
Each team plays 34 games.
Q2: How many games are in an MLS season total?
34 games, plus extra playoff matches.
Q3: How many MLS games in a season across the league?
About 493 games in the regular season.
Q4: How many games left in MLS season for my team?
It depends on the schedule. Check current fixtures to know.
Q5: Why does MLS play 34 games, not 38?
Because of long travel distances and the conference system.
Q6: Can I bet on MLS matches?
Yes, on sites like 96in sports betting and the 96.com app.
Q7: How do I join 96in for betting?
Just use the 96in login option on 96in.com and start betting safely.
