Preliminary plans for the 2024 edition of the U.S. Open Cup have been approved by a subcommittee of the U.S. Soccer Federation board of directors. The tournament is expected to have a hybrid format with not every MLS team participating. The exact level of participation from MLS and USL clubs is still being determined.
The decision to hold the tournament in 2024 comes after uncertainty arose when MLS announced that its first teams would not take part in the competition. Instead, teams from MLS Next Pro would be involved. This move by MLS seemed to conflict with the USSF's Professional League Standards, which require topflight outdoor league teams to participate in all eligible U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF competitions.
The USL, which has been a longstanding participant in the U.S. Open Cup, expressed its support for the tournament, emphasizing its historical significance in American soccer culture. The league stated its commitment to working with owners and U.S. Soccer to shape the future of the competition.
Despite the ongoing discussions and developments, the final decision on the tournament format will not require approval from the federation's board of directors. A subcommittee, established to address the need for a reset in the 2024 Open Cup, is responsible for making the decision.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Open Cup led to the resignation of the Open Cup committee chairman, who expressed concerns about the tournament's viability. The subcommittee, composed of seven board members, aims to collaborate with stakeholders to determine a long-term format for the competition.
While the specifics of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup are still being finalized, the USSF is reportedly planning its largest financial investment ever to support teams, particularly those from lower divisions, with travel costs and promotion. The goal is to ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of the tournament moving forward.
