Learn more about the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs schedule and format explained, which will kick-off on 25th October with the Eastern Conference wildcard game featuring New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC
This year’s 2023 MLS Cup playoffs highlight is the introduction of the brand-new Round One format, where the top eight teams in each conference will compete in best-of-three series. This innovative format replaces the less thrilling aggregate-score method, ensuring a clear winner in each game. With the playoff picture finalized and 18 teams still in the running, the postseason is set to commence shortly, beginning just days after the conclusion of the regular season.
MLS Cup Playoffs 2023 schedule, date, time table, bracket, teams, format explained, live stream telecast
The 2023 MLS Cup playoffs are set 🏆 pic.twitter.com/E1QpuqSYSg
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 22, 2023
2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs schedule, date, time, venue, format, & qualified teams
As Decision Day was scheduled for Saturday, October 21, the postseason participants and seeding have been determined, and matchups are now in place. The 2023 playoffs kick off with the Wild Card round, featuring a one-off matchup between the eighth and ninth seeds from each conference on October 25 and 26.
Subsequently, the rest of the postseason starts with Round One, comprising best-of-three series where a winner must emerge in each matchup. Although the specific dates for these games are yet to be announced, they are likely to take place during the first three weeks of November.
Once the Round One victors secure their positions, the four surviving teams will progress to the Conference Semifinals scheduled for late November. Following that, the Conference Finals will be played from 2nd December through 3rd December, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 9.
The postseason sees the qualification of the top nine teams in each conference, with the top seven teams earning a bye to Round One, while the eighth and ninth-placed teams will have to compete in a Wild Card match.
Audi MLS Cup Playoffs 2023: Round One & Wild Card schedule
Wild Card Round:
- Eastern Conference
October 25
19:30 ET
New York Red Bulls v Charlotte FC
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey - Western Conference
October 25
21:30 ET
Sporting Kansas City v San Jose Earthquakes
Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
Round One Eastern Conference:
- FC Cincinnati vs Wild card round winner
- Orlando City SC vs Nashville SC
- Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United FC
- Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution
Round One Western Conference:
- St. Louis City SC vs Wild card round winner
- Seattle Sounders FC vs FC Dallas
- Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Houston Dynamo FC vs Real Salt Lake
When & Where To Watch: live stream & TV coverage telecast
MLS Season Pass will stream the 2023 MLS Playoffs, with FOX and FS1 broadcasting select games. MLS Season Pass offers commentary in both English and Spanish, while Fox Deportes provides Spanish-language coverage of the playoff matches. Watching the 2023 MLS Playoffs on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass is the most recommended method. Priced at just $14.99 per month, it offers an affordable viewing option for those with a dependable internet connection.
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