The winners of this year’s MLS were rewarded with handsome prize money as the 26th edition of the Major League Soccer came to a climax on Saturday.
The New York City FC won the 2021 MLS Cup following the defeat of Portland Timbers on penalties.
The win at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, was New York City FC’s first-ever MLS Cup triumph.
En route to the final, the New York-based team knocked out New England Revolution and the Philadelphia Union while Portland Timbers edged past Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake.
In front of over 25,218 spectators, New York City FC came from a goal down to force the match into penalties which ended dramatically.
So how much did the New York City FC receive as prize money as winners of the 2021 Major League Soccer Cup final?
Also Read: MLS Cup winners listed
MLS Cup 2021 Prize money explained
The total prize money for the 2021 MLS tournament is valued at around $1.1 million that would be shared amongst the winners, runners up and teams who finished in the knockout stages.
The winner of the 2021 MLS Cup would earn $300,000, while the runners up would also receive $150,000. The other two teams who finished in the semifinals would get 100,000, respectively.
The quarter-finals received $47,000 each. Teams who finished in the round of 16 would receive $20,000
Full breakdown
Winner: $300,000
Runner up: $150,000
Semi-Finals $100,000
Quarter-Finals $47,500
Round of 16 $20,000
Group Stage $14,000
How much did your team receive during the tournament?
MLS Cup 2021 Winner: New York City FC ($300,000)
MLS Cup 2021 Runner up Portland Timbers ($150,000)
Note: 300,000+$100,000 or $150,000+100,000
Semi-Finalist
New York City FC ($100,000)
Philadelphia Union ($100,000)
Portland Timbers ($100,000)
Real Salt Lake ($100,000)
Note: 47,000+100,000
Quarterfinalists
New York City FC ($47,000)
Philadelphia Union ($47,000)
New England Revolution ($47,000)
Nashville SC ($47,000)
Portland Timbers ($47,000)
Real Salt Lake ($47,000)
Colorado Rapids ($47,000)
Note: $20,000+$47,000
Round of 16
New York City FC ($20,000)
Philadelphia Union ($20,000)
Nashville SC ($20,000)
New York Red Bulls ($20,000)
Orlando City SC ($20,000)
Atlanta United ($20,000)
Portland Timbers ($20,000)
Real Salt Lake ($20,000)
Sporting Kansas City ($20,000)
Vancouver Whitecaps ($20,000)
Seattle Sounders ($20,000)
Minnesota United ($20,000)
MLS prize money 2022: what to expect as the league continues with its upward rise
The actual tournament prize money is yet to be revealed, but there are favourable signs it would increase.
The MLS is expected to increase in terms of television rights. The league is expected to expand to other major markets like Europe and South America.
Also Read: Premier League prize money explained
Who are the teams for the 2022 Major League Soccer season?
The MLS 2022 season would feature 28 teams with the addition of Charlotte FC. The new season is expected to run from February 26 – October 9 (regular season) and November 5 for the MLS Cup final.
Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas Toyota, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy.
Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, Inter Miami CF, CF Montréal, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers.
Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
- MLS teams: Nicknames, conference and cities
- All MLS stadiums ranked by capacity
- Highlighting every MLS expansion team
Top teams to watch in 2022
New York City FC
Following their triumph in the MLS Cup final, the New York-based soccer club is expected to continue with their fine form from last season.
Last season’s campaign was the best in the club’s history, which has also attracted commendation from fans and followers of the club, including Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.
Portland Timbers
The Timbers may have lost the Cup final in 2021, but the upward rise continues. Portland Timbers have been able to build a formidable team over the years.
The players have already put aside the 2021 Cup final loss to New York City FC and are focused on the new season in 2022 already.
New England Revolution, Nashville SC, Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls FC, Real Salt Lake, Austin FC.
