Major League Soccer announces return on July 8

Sports Betting

Major League Soccer will make its return with an all-league tournament in Orlando beginning in July, the league announced Wednesday morning.

The tournament, called “MLS is Back,” will include all 26 teams at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex beginning July 8 and will run through Aug. 11. The tournament will be played without fans.

“We are pleased to team up with Disney to relaunch the 2020 MLS season and get back to playing soccer,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “The opportunity to have all 26 clubs in a controlled environment enables us to help protect the health of our players, coaches and staff as we return to play.”

The tournament marks the return of MLS, which was shut down March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. MLS says it “will use extensive medical protocols and a comprehensive COVID-19 testing plan” that is expected to include players being tested before each match.

RECOMMENDED