USSF Denies MLS's Plan for 2024 U.S. Open Cup

MLS's Decision Criticized as Attempt to Control Profits and Limit Lionel Messi's Appearances on Other Broadcasters

U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) has denied Major League Soccer's (MLS) plan to have MLS Next Pro teams represent the league at the 2024 U.S. Open Cup.
MLS expressed respect for the USSF decision and insisted on finding a viable solution for the 2024 tournament.
MLS's decision to replace first-team rosters with MLS Next Pro teams in the U.S. Open was an attempt to develop young professional players and reduce schedule congestion.
MLS's decision was criticized for being about control and profit, potentially limiting the number of times Lionel Messi would appear on any other broadcaster and maximizing his appearances on MLS's streaming partner, Apple TV.
USSF could potentially sanction MLS by stripping it of its first division status if the two parties can't come to terms in time for the 2024 tournament.