The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs have evolved considerably over the years to the single-elimination format that was instated ahead of the 2019 campaign. That comes in stark contrast to the league's early existence, when far fewer teams led to best-of-three series until the one-off MLS Cup.
Remember those days? If not, here's a breakdown of the various formats throughout MLS history and the changes that have taken place.
1996-1999
- Top four teams per conference qualify (eight total)
- Conference Semifinals: Best-of-three series; draws decided via 35-yard shootouts
- Conference Finals: Best-of-three series; draws decided via 35-yard shootouts
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2000-2001
- Three division winners, plus next five teams with the best records qualify (eight total)
- Conference Quarterfinals: Best-of-three series; five points to win; draws could stand after 10-minute, sudden-death overtime period
- Conference Semifinals: Best-of-three series; five points to win; draws could stand after 10-minute, sudden-death overtime period
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2002
- Top eight teams qualify regardless of conference (eight total)
- Conference Semifinals: Best-of-three series; five points to win; draws could stand after 10-minute, sudden-death overtime period
- Conference Finals: Best-of-three series; five points to win; draws could stand after 10-minute, sudden-death overtime period
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2003-2006
- Top four teams per conference qualify (eight total)
- Conference Semifinals: Two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- Conference Finals: Single-elimination
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2007-10
- Top two teams per conference, plus next four teams with most points regardless of conference qualify (eight total)
- Conference Semifinals: Two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- Conference Finals: Single-elimination
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2011
- Top three clubs in each conference automatically qualify
- Wild-card entrants, seeded No. 7 through No. 10, determined by their overall position in the league table
- Play-ins for wild-card teams are single-elimination matches, with higher seed playing at home
- Conference Semifinals: Two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- Conference Championships: Single-elimination
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2012-2014
- Top five teams in each conference qualify (10 total)
- No. 4 seed hosted No. 5 seed in a single match to advance to conference semifinals
- Conference semifinals: Two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- Conference finals: Two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- MLS Cup: One-game final
- In 2014: Away goals tiebreaker implemented, but did not apply in extra time
2015-2018
- Top six teams from each conference qualify
- Single-elimination Knockout Round: No. 3 seed hosts No. 6 seed, No. 4 seed hosts No. 5 seed
- Conference Semifinals: Teams are reseeded for two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- Conference Finals: Two-legged series decided by aggregate goals
- MLS Cup: One-game final
2019-present
- Top seven teams from each conference qualify
- Top team in each conference gets a bye, no reseeding for matches
- All matches single-elimination throughout
