MLS vs Premier League: Comparing two powerhouses of professional football

MLS vs Premier League: Comparing two powerhouses of professional football

Lenah Ann
updated at May 27, 2023 at 2:17 PM
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English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
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Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States of America, while the Premier League is one of Europe’s top-tier leagues based in England. The MLS vs Premier League comparison continues to happen; the two leagues have some similarities and differences, such as field sizes, player salaries, number of teams, and play format.

MLS vs Premier League
MLS and the Premier League logos displayed. Photo: Matthew Ashton, Visionhaus (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

MLS was conceived in 1994 as part of the World Cup package, and since then, it has been gaining popularity worldwide. On the other hand, PL was founded in 1888, and as of 2023, it is one of the most popular in the world. Find more details about MLS vs Premier League in the article.

MLS vs Premier League

Although the MLS is yet to be at the top of the list among other famous sports in the US, such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL, the EPL, on the other hand, is one of the most prominent leagues in the world, especially in Europe.

Regarding fan bases, the EPL is way ahead of the MLS, with most of its fans coming from all over the world. On the other hand, MLS is primarily popular in the USA, and since its popularity is fast growing, it has overtaken the NHL.

MLS vs Premier League field size

Most PL field sizes measure 115 by 75 yards or 105 by 68.5 metres, while MLS measures 110 by 70 yards or 100.5 by 64 metres; thus, the PL stadiums are much bigger in contrast to the MLB’s

However, MLS fields are more beautiful since they are constructed with modern technology and designs compared to the EPL fields, which have been around for over a century.

MLS vs Premier League salaries

MLS vs Premier League
Josh Atencio (84) of the Seattle Sounders FC heads the ball against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the second half at BC Place on 20 May 2023 in Vancouver, Canada. Photo: Jordan Jones
Source: Getty Images

The average MLS vs Premier League salaries varies according to the calibre and status of a given athlete. However, PL pays almost ten times more than the MLS; thus, over the years, most football legends have considered the latter a retirement plan.

Annually, the average MLS vs PL player salaries is approximately $3,749,640 and $40,390,140, respectively.

MLS vs Premier League teams

PL teams are more popular with immense status and quality than their US counterparts. Most English teams make more revenue than American-based soccer teams due to the huge fan bases worldwide and television rights.

Worst Premier League team vs best MLS team

In the 2022/23 season, the worst PL team is Chelsea, while the best MLS team is Los Angeles FC. Although Chelsea might be the worst team in the English top tier, it has produced remarkable results in recent years.

When the two teams, worst and best, are ranked head to head, it is without a doubt that the English side will overshadow the American side.

MLS vs Premier League field size
Manchester City celebrate scoring their team's third goal during the English Premier League football match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on 17 September 2022. Photo: Geoff CaddicK/
Source: Getty Images

How does MLS compare to the Premier League?

The two soccer powerhouses compare in several ways, including the players’ salaries, popularity, format, the quality of soccer, field sizes, and fan bases.

The EPL is leading in both scenarios when the two are compared according to popularity and fan attendance. For instance, the EPL had an average attendance of 41,430 in 380 matches in the 2021/22 season, while MLS had an average of 20,526 in 489 matches.

Difference between MLS and Premier League

The two differ in various ways, such as the formats, salaries, television money, popularity, superiority, and the quality of soccer players. Here are some significant differences between the two powerhouses of professional soccer matches.

  • PL has some of the best talents worldwide compared to MLS.
  • PL players are paid more than their counterparts in MLS.
  • PL has superior and better soccer teams compared to the MLS.
  • TV money and rights are less valuable in the USA than in England, where the biggest package earns the English soccer clubs’ revenues.
MLS vs Premier League teams
The starting eleven for the Minnesota United pose for a photo before a game against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on 20 May 2023 in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Soobum Im
Source: Getty Images
  • The PL format is made up of 20 teams that compete against each other every season, and the winner with the most points takes home the highly coveted trophy. On the other hand, the MLS format is made of a regular season followed by playoffs to determine the winner from the two subcategories champions.
  • MLS has no relegation
  • MLS does not compete in the UCL

Is the Premier League better than MLS?

According to various online sources, EPL is, without a doubt, better than the MLS, and as of 2023, it is ranked as one of the strongest soccer powerhouses worldwide.

Can MLS compete in the Premier League?

ow does MLS compare to the Premier League?
Arsenal players enter a huddle prior to the PL match against Nottingham Forest at City Ground on 20 May 2023 in Nottingham, England. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
Source: Getty Images

MLS is still growing and yet to compete with the European giants, the best in the world. Statistically, even the teams in the English Championships, which are less strong than the PL ones, can easily win against most MLS teams.

The MLS vs Premier League debate has come a long way since its inception, and in doing so, they have produced several talents that have gone down in history as some of the greatest ever in the leagues. Although both are famous, the Premier League is more prominent than MLS.

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Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.