In 1988, the United States Soccer Federation committed to establishing a Division 1 professional soccer league to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. This initiative led to the formation of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1995.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) was established with 10 teams and has since expanded to over 30, introducing a professional soccer league in the United States. The formation of MLS brought new technology to the sport and increased soccer opportunities in America.

Alan Bothenberg, chairman of World Cup 1994, announces the formation of Major League Soccer, which officially formed in February 1995.

ESPN and ABC Sports secured the league's first television rights deal, including regular-season broadcasts on ESPN and ESPN2, as well as the MLS Cup on CBS. This innovative move allowed wider access to MLS matches across the country.

Dallas, Denver, and Kansas City join Major League Soccer and are set to begin play in 1996.

Doug Logan is named Major League Soccer's first commissioner, president, and chief executive.

The San Jose Clash defeats D.C. United in the first MLS regular season game in front of 31,000 fans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose.

D.C. United claimed the MLS Cup in 1996, marking the beginning of their successful journey in the league.

Chicago and South Florida are announced as Major League Soccer expansion teams for the 1998 season, bringing the league's total teams to 12.

ABC, ESPN, and MLS agree on a new six-year TV deal until the 2003 season, aiming to increase viewership and revenue.

In 1997, D.C. United secured another MLS Cup victory, solidifying their position as a dominant team in the league.

The U.S. men's national team, mainly composed of MLS players, finished in last place at the 1998 World Cup, casting doubt on the quality of Major League Soccer.

Columbus Crew opens the first major league, soccer-specific stadium in the United States with a sell-out crowd of 24,741.

Don Garber becomes the MLS commissioner, replacing Doug Logan.

D.C. United added another MLS Cup to their collection in 1999, showcasing their consistent success in the league.

The MLS Cup in 2000 was a significant milestone for a specific team in Major League Soccer.

Miami performed well on the field by winning the 2001 Supporters' Shield, but faced challenges off the field, leading to ceasing operations in January 2002 along with the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

The struggling Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion franchises fold.

The Los Angeles Galaxy opened the Home Depot Center, now Dignity Health Sports Park, in 2003, as a soccer-specific stadium.

MLS and the MLS Players Union sign the league's first collective bargaining agreement.

In early 2005, MLS signed a 10-year, $150 million sponsorship deal with Adidas for its jerseys and other equipment.

Fox Soccer Channel and Soccer United Marketing strike a $11 million deal to broadcast MLS games, enhancing league viewership.

David Beckham brings excitement to the league by announcing his joining of the LA Galaxy with a lucrative deal.

Columbus Crew clinched the MLS Cup in 2008, marking a significant achievement in the club's history.

In 2009, Seattle Sounders joined MLS, significantly impacting the league's modern era. The team has consistently led in attendance and made the playoffs every year, culminating in their first MLS Cup title in 2016.

Arsenal's all-time leading goal scorer Thierry Henry agrees to a multi-year contract with the New York Red Bulls.

In 2011, MLS earned $150 million when it sold a 25% stake in SUM.

In 2012, the Montreal Impact became the third Canadian team to join Major League Soccer (MLS) after years of competing in lower divisions. They have had a mix of success and challenges in their first five seasons in MLS, making the playoffs three times and coming close to qualifying for the MLS Cup in 2016.

New York City FC, a partnership between Manchester City and the New York Yankees, becomes the league's 20th team with an expansion fee of $100 million.

Garber announces that David Beckham will acquire an expansion franchise in Miami pending the securing of a new stadium.

On September 18, 2014, MLS revealed a new logo as part of a branding initiative, with teams displaying versions in their own colors on jerseys.

Chivas USA franchise folds after 10 seasons.

Los Angeles FC becomes the new LA franchise with plans to begin play in 2017.

On December 6, 2015, MLS announced its intent to expand to 28 teams.

In April 2016, MLS commissioner Don Garber reiterated the league's intention to expand to 28 teams, with the next round of expansion likely happening in 2020.

In August 2016, MLS confirmed that Minnesota United and Atlanta United FC would begin play in 2017.

In December 2016, MLS updated its expansion plans to approve the 25th and 26th teams in 2017.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is introduced into MLS matches to enhance officiating and decision-making.

On December 20, 2017, MLS announced the awarding of an expansion franchise to Nashville, Tennessee, to join MLS in 2020.

On January 29, 2018, MLS awarded Miami an expansion team led by David Beckham, which started play in 2020.

Sweden's all-time goal scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimović, signs with LA Galaxy and would later depart in December 2019.

An expansion team was awarded to Cincinnati, Ohio on May 29, 2018, to the ownership group of USL's FC Cincinnati, which started play in 2019.

English star Wayne Rooney agrees to a deal with D.C. United and would later leave in August 2019 to become a player-coach with Derby County.

On August 15, 2018, the Austin City Council voted to approve an agreement with Precourt to move Crew SC to Austin.

On August 22, 2018, the club's new name, Austin FC, was announced after the approval of the move from Columbus to Austin.

MLS awards the latest franchise to Austin with plans for the first season in 2021.

On March 19, 2019, MLS announced a partnership with MGM Resorts International for sports betting, making Roar Digital the league's exclusive sports betting partner.

Minnesota United FC played their first game at Allianz Field in St. Paul against New York City FC on April 13, 2019, after previously playing at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

St. Louis is granted an MLS franchise to begin play in 2022 with owners paying a reported $200 million expansion fee.

MLS awards a franchise to Sacramento to become the league's 29th team after paying a $200 million expansion fee.

NFL Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and partners acquire the MLS's 30th franchise that will start play in 2021 after paying a reported $325 million franchise fee.

VAR (Visual Assistant Referee) is introduced in Major League Soccer as a new method to improve officiating and decision-making during matches.

New England Revolution secured the Supporters’ Shield in 2021, showcasing their consistency and competitiveness in the MLS.

A league-record 37 Major League Soccer players represented their respective countries at the World Cup in Qatar, making MLS the league with the most players from the Western Hemisphere. Thiago Almada from Atlanta United became the first active MLS player to be part of the winning World Cup team.

MLS partners with Second Spectrum to implement advanced tracking data, enhancing player statistics and providing more insights for fans.

MLS partners with Ai.io to explore opportunities for MLS Next, indicating a focus on leveraging AI technology for future developments.

On December 9, 2023, the Columbus Crew emerged as the champions of Major League Soccer (MLS) by defeating Los Angeles FC 2–1 in the MLS Cup final. This victory marked the conclusion of the 2023 season.

The 2024 MLS regular season commences on February 21, 2024, with all 29 MLS clubs scheduled to play 34 matches each.

This event focuses on the impact of MLS stadium projects in transforming the league, marking a significant shift in the sporting landscape.

A significant event highlighting the major milestones and key moments that have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of MLS.

Inter Miami CF has 0 points with 8 defeats in the MLS, making them the team with the most defeats in the league this season.

Lionel Messi scores 2 goals in a match played in front of a record crowd in New England as Miami defeats Revolution 4-1.

Lionel Messi has a remarkable game with a goal and 5 assists in Inter Miami's victory over Red Bulls.

14-year-old Cavan Sullivan signs a deal with Philadelphia Union that will eventually lead him to play for Manchester City at the age of 18.

The 2024 MLS regular season concludes on Decision Day, October 19, after each of the 29 MLS clubs has played 34 matches.

The 2024 MLS Cup presented by Audi is scheduled to take place on December 7, featuring the top teams from the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to expand to 30 teams with the addition of San Diego FC in 2025, demonstrating the continued growth and development of the league.