# MLS brings back 27 teams to US Open Cup

> MLS returns all US teams to US Open Cup after three-year pause
- Title: MLS brings back 27 teams to US Open Cup · the Guardian
- Summary: MLS returns all US teams to US Open Cup after three-year pause MLS will allow all 27 US-based teams to compete in the US Open Cup starting next year after…
- Keywords: mls, us open cup, seattle, nfl, mls next pro, leagues cup, concacaf champions cup, us soccer federation, open cup, reserve teams, mls teams, us soccer
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/01/mls-us-open-cup-participation
- Published: 2026-09-01T18:30:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mls, us open cup, seattle, nfl, mls next pro, leagues cup, concacaf champions cup, us soccer federation, open cup, reserve teams, mls teams, us soccer
## 2025 Open Cup winner
Nashville SC beat Austin FC in the final.

> Nashville SC won the 2025 Us Open Cup, beating Austin FC in the final
## Three-year pause
MLS withheld teams from US Open Cup since 2024.

> MLS had limited participation since 2024 Open Cup
## 2023 withdrawal
MLS sent reserve teams to 2023 Open Cup.

> In 2023 MLS said it would pull out all of its teams from the Open Cup
## Controversy
US Soccer rejected MLS's reserve team plan.

> MLS's proposal to send reserve teams was rejected by the US Soccer Federation
## 2024 return
MLS entered 16 teams in 2024 Open Cup.

> In 2024, MLS entered 16 of its 30 teams into the competition
## Key takeaway

MLS will allow all 27 US-based teams to compete in the US Open Cup starting next year after withdrawing them for three years.