Major League Soccer's internationalization: foreign players, investors, and partnerships (1996-2024)

1. MLS kicks off inaugural season in San Jose

   Apr 6, 1996Labels: MLS

   • MLS Match
   • 1996 Season

2. Red Bull buys MetroStars and rebrands club

   Mar 9, 2006Labels: New York, Red Bull

   • RBN History
   • SVG Report

3. MLS adopts the Designated Player Rule

   Jan 1, 2007Labels: Designated Player

   • MLS DP Rule
   • DP Rule

4. David Beckham signs with LA Galaxy

   Jan 11, 2007Labels: David Beckham, LA Galaxy

   • ESPN Beckham
   • DP Rule

5. Toronto FC plays first MLS match

   Apr 7, 2007Labels: Toronto FC

   • CityNews
   • TFC Firsts

6. Brazilian investor becomes majority owner of Orlando City

   Mar 10, 2013Labels: Orlando City, Fl vio

   • Bloomberg
   • Orlando City

7. NYCFC awarded to Manchester City–Yankees group

   May 21, 2013Labels: New York, Manchester City

   • Yankees PR
   • MLS Timeline

8. Beckham-led Miami franchise announced by MLS

   Feb 5, 2014Labels: Inter Miami, David Beckham

   • CBS Miami
   • MLS Timeline

9. Leagues Cup launches MLS–Liga MX competition

   Jul 23, 2019Labels: Leagues Cup, MLS Liga

   • Leagues Cup
   • 2019 LC

10. MLS and Liga MX commit to expanded Leagues Cup

    Sep 21, 2021Labels: Leagues Cup, MLS Liga

    • MLS Release
    • ESPN Plan

11. MLS and Apple announce global media-rights partnership

    Jun 14, 2022Labels: MLS, Apple

    • SI Deal
    • AS Report

12. Expanded Leagues Cup debuts with all MLS and Liga MX clubs

    Jul 1, 2023Labels: Leagues Cup

    • Leagues Cup
    • Concacaf LC