MLS spent weeks negotiating the format of the tournament and safety protocol of the event, with the negotiations regarding the event and a revised Collective Bargaining Agreement growing tense. At one point, MLS commissioner Don Garber threatened to lock out the players, but soon after the league and MLS Players Association were able to reach an agreement that allowed MLS to resume play during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The “MLS is Back” event will kick off on July 8 and feature 54 total matches with group and knockout stages. Teams will get regular-season points and the winner will get a spot in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League.