The MLS Cup is well and truly underway with one Wild Card game done and dusted. Notably, Inter Miami and Lionel Messi will face Atlanta United in Round One in the playoffs. Everyone remains excited to see what’s in store for the MLS teams in terms of the MLS Cup Prize Money. Yes, winning the tournament speaks volumes about their achievements. However, making money out of it becomes imperative for any sports organization.

It’s the basic knowledge that goes with any competition. Amidst the glitz, glory, and glamor, we need top prize money for the players to get motivated. Hence, with no details regarding the MLS Cup Prize Money 2024, we think the 2023 prize money details will be similar for this year. In contrast to the European leagues, the MLS teams do not receive any monetary rewards based on their position in the table.

The organizers allocate money to teams in the English Premier League based on their positions. They offer the teams huge pot prizes motivating teams to play well. With no relegation and promotion in the MLS, the teams that make the post-season will get some prize money.

Moreover, the total budget allocated for the MLS Cup Prize Money will be shared with the winners, runners-up, and teams who finish in the knockout stages. There is no prize money for the teams who win their wild-card matches.

With no changes in the MLS 2023 prize money, we feel it’s the same situation for this year as well.

MLS Cup Prize Money allocation

With the capital up to around $1.1 million for all the teams, this is how the pot each team could be eligible for in the playoffs. Here’s the complete breakdown:

One thing is for sure, with Inter Miami having Lionel Messi, the league will need to rethink the prize money allocation. The MLS and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) experienced a 13% boost in sponsorship revenue compared to 2023, thanks to the arrival of Argentine players and improved financial performance. Moreover, the league signed deals with 18 new sponsors in 2024. It certainly is a hallmark moment and we hope the prize money increases for the MLS winners. Simply because the European leagues dwarf the MLS; especially the Premier League.

According to GMS, the Premier League winners, Manchester City, received over $80.7 million in prize money for finishing as champions. Think about the difference. If you want to see the biggest difference, the teams that get relegated or finish 20th will earn over $4.1 million. That’s three times more than the entire MLS Cup Prize Money altogether.

To sum up, the prize money depends on the viewership of the league and revenue generation in stadiums. Therefore, we need a better allocation of funds for the MLS playoffs winners.