The MLS Cup final is the culmination of the Major League Soccer campaign, the pinnacle of the U.S. domestic league each year.
While the regular-season title, dubbed the Supporters' Shield, is growing in significance each year, the MLS Cup remains the preeminent trophy of the MLS season.
Last season, the Columbus Crew reigned supreme, rising from their third-place finish in the Eastern Conference through the regular season to triumph in the playoffs. Along the way, they topped the regular-season champions FC Cincinnati and the defending MLS Cup champions LAFC to hoist the trophy.
In 2024, Lionel Messi will be hoping he can turn Inter Miami from MLS bottom-feeder to title contender, as he plays his first full season with the south Florida club.
The Sporting News has all the details on the 2024 MLS Cup final as known prior to the start of the coming campaign.
MORE: Full Inter Miami preseason fixture list, including Messi vs. Ronaldo friendly
When is the MLS Cup final 2024?
The 2024 MLS Cup final is slated for Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The regular season is due to conclude with Decision Day on October 19, after which the playoffs will take place.
Who will host the 2024 MLS Cup final?
As it has in the past, the 2024 MLS Cup final will be hosted by the highest remaining seed participating in the match.
The MLS Cup playoffs are constructed by seeding based on how teams performed in the regular season. In 2023, the Columbus Crew hosted LAFC in the MLS Cup final, thanks to the Crew finishing the regular season with 57 points compared to LAFC's 52 points.
Unlike other major sports in the United States, Major League Soccer has not slated its championship game to be hosted at a neutral venue since 2010 when Toronto's BMO Field was the venue for the MLS Cup final between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas.
How to watch MLS Cup playoffs in 2024 season
Last season, Major League Soccer kicked off a 10-year broadcast rights deal with Apple that sees every single match for the next decade streamed exclusively via the company's streaming platform.
Apple TV is the official home of the MLS regular season and playoffs, with every match for every team available to stream around the world with no blackouts. Some select games each week are made free to air, while the rest of the fixture list is for subscribers only.
The streaming service, dubbed MLS Season Pass, will be available for all fans to purchase at a set, season-long price, and it is available at a discounted rate for Apple TV+ subscribers. Select matches will also be available to watch for free every week.
MLS Season Pass is separate from Apple TV+, meaning those with Apple TV+ would still need an MLS Season Pass subscription to access the complete slate of games, while those without Apple TV+ can still sign up for MLS Season Pass without needing a full Apple TV+ subscription.
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