Leagues Cup Boycott: Here are the supporters' groups protesting the tournament

This post was originally published on Thursday, July 25 at 11:30 am. The date and timestamp above reflect the most recent update.

When the 2024 Leagues Cup competition begins this Friday it will be with the full backing of the Major League Soccer promotional machine.

The tournament between teams in MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX is heavily featured on the MLS website and in their social media accounts, and the games are a part of the MLS Season Pass package on Apple TV. Leagues Cup is unavoidable if you follow MLS, especially considering the month-long break in the middle of the regular season.

But some of the league’s most devoted fans will be boycotting the tournament. In recent days, the supporters’ groups of teams such as Austin FC and Philadelphia Union have said they will not be cheering on their teams over the next few weeks. Some are refusing to organize their regular game-day support. Others are planning on holding demonstrations during the match before walking out. More supporters’ groups are joining the boycott daily, including ones from Minnesota United, Columbus Crew, Orlando City SC, and more.

However, not all MLS supporters’ groups are against Leagues Cup. The groups from teams such as the Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo have released statements saying they will support their team during the tournament. Others remained silent, making it unclear if this weekend will be business as usual in the stands.

The reason for the boycotts is simple: The US Open Cup. Following MLS’s decision to attempt to leave the historic tournament last December, many fans have shown displeasure at the league’s snub of the Open Cup. The reasons MLS cited for leaving the US Open Cup, including schedule congestion, were doubted considering the league set aside a solid four weeks for Leagues Cup, a tournament introduced in its current format just last year.

MLS decided to field only eight teams in the 2024 US Open Cup. The remaining clubs either were represented by reserve teams from MLS NEXT Pro or didn’t enter at all.

One reason why MLS snubbed the US Open Cup was that it was no longer a significant revenue stream. Soccer United Marketing, the for-profit marketing arm of Major League Soccer, signed a four-year deal to market and broadcast the US Open Cup in 2019. That contract wasn’t renewed, which meant that SUM – and MLS – didn’t have a clear financial stake in the 2024 US Open Cup.

According to MLS Commissioner Don Garber, the league doesn't approve of how the tournament is run, and the small number of fans attendance at the games. "There were 1,400 people in the game in Atlanta," Garber says in the clip below in reference to a recent US Open Cup match featuring Atlanta United and Indy Eleven of USL Championship. "That's a big building, and opening up that big building that we have to pay for, for 1,400 people, it's not — it doesn't make sense."

We should note that United didn't play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Instead, they moved the game to Fifth Third Stadium on the campus of Kennesaw State University in nearby Cobb County, a 40-minute drive from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fifth Third Stadium's capacity is 10,200, while the capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for soccer matches is 42,500.

Below is a list of the official positions of supporters’ groups. Initially, it excluded the supporters’ groups from Canadian teams CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, which participate in the Canadian Championship and not the US Open Cup. But on August 2, the Vancouver Southsiders announced that they wouldn't have "banners, flags, drums, or capos" in solidarity with the protest.

Note: This list will be updated as new information becomes available. 

Atlanta United FC

• No official statements at this time

Austin FC

One of the first MLS supporters' groups to announce their plans in the week leading up to Leagues Cup, Austin Anthem announced they will not be organizing support for the team’s matches during the tournament as a result of MLS not fully participating in the Open Cup.

Fellow Austin SG Los Verdes released a statement condemning the decision to not participate in the Open Cup but did not say anything about limiting participation or a boycott.

Earlier this year, The Anthem came out in force for Austin FC II in the 2024 Open Cup, where the MLS NEXT Pro team suffered a First Round cupset to amateur side FORO SC. "We were certainly there banging the drums supporting two clubs being in there," Josh Babetski, founder and a board member of Austin Anthem, told Hudson River Blue. "But it didn't diminish the need for the MLS first teams (to be) there. They are the lightning rod. They are the tip of the spear of the US soccer pyramid. And they should be setting kind of examples to help support the rest of it." Babetski said the group's end goal is to see MLS and USSF make the Open Cup more marketable and more profitable.

The Anthem have also announced they will be selling pro-US Open Cup and anti-Leagues Cup merchandise.

Charlotte FC

Southbound & Crown, a Charlotte supporters group based in South Carolina and named after a fantastic HBO show, announced they will not be organizing activities for the Leagues Cup. The statement says the group does not agree with prioritizing Leagues Cup over the US Open Cup, but also says their members are free to make their own choice and attend if they wish.

Mint City Collective will be organizing a watch party for the team’s away match in the Leagues Cup.

Chicago Fire FC

The four-time US Open Cup champions have had a handful of groups vocalize against taking part in Leagues Cup activities. These include The Red Line SG, Black Fires, and Logan’s Squares. The latter two are part of Section 8, the independent supporters association of 15 Fire groups.

However, Sector Latino has announced plans for Chicago’s match against Deportivo Toluca. With the city’s heavy Latino demographic, it's easy to see how fans would choose to see their fire take on a Liga MX team.

Colorado Rapids

Ahead of the Colorado Rapids' second group stage game against Liga MX side Club Leon, Centennial 38 announced it would be holding a tailgate.

Columbus Crew

In an interesting twist, the fans of the Crew seem to be in a bit of a civil war. The Nordecke, the supporters collective, released a statement. The group acknowledged the importance of the US Open Cup, which bears the name of the team’s founder Lamar Hunt, but said they would support players on the field during Leagues Cup and not organize protests.

This decision was unpopular with many. Some fans said this was ironic coming from a group whose team was saved in part thanks to the Save The Crew protest movement. Other Columbus fans within the supporters groups said this decision was a blindside by leadership. So far, smaller groups have put out hilarious, counterstatements.

DC United

• No official statements at this time

FC Cincinnati

Queen City Mafia becomes the first of Cincinnati's supporters' groups to speak out about Leagues Cup, saying in a statement that a "majority of its members" will be boycotting the tournament.

Cincinnati's Leagues Cup run begins with two home matches, an August 1 meeting with Querétaro FC at TQL Stadium followed by a visit from New York City FC on August 5. Other FC Cincy groups who occupy the Bailey supporters' section at TQL Stadium—like Die Innenstadt, for one example—have spoken out in disappointment over the Open Cup's handling by MLS, but the above strongly-worded release from the Queen City Mafia is the first sign of any Cincinnati group taking direct Leagues Cup action.

FC Dallas

Dallas Beer Guardians have announced they will not be organizing events for Leagues Cup matches, and encourages their members to not participate.

DBG President Marlon "Marcus" Gardner further expanded his group's position. He noted that the SG backs the players and club, but also noted the team's deep connection to the Open Cup. FC Dallas is owned by Clark and Dan Hunt, sons of Lamar Hunt.

"We are not only supporting MLS we support local soccer at all levels the US Open Cup is important to that mission," Marcus told HRB. "The leadership took this step along with other groups to show our support to the cup and the David's in soccer not just the Goliath."

Houston Dynamo FC

El Batallon, a group supporting last year’s USOC champions, said on social media that they will be supporting their team during the Leagues Cup. However, the group said, “Our Houston Dynamo didn't cop out of the US Open Cup we just crashed.” No MLS team had the option to “cop out” of the cup, as participation was based on either team standing from last season or being the defending champion.

In other words, Houston lost to USL Championship side Detroit City FC because MLS and USSF told them to play.

Inter Miami CF

None of the three major supporters' groups or two minor ones for the defending Leagues Cup champions have made any announcement about Leagues Cup plans. The Siege, Vice City 1896, and Southern Legion were all fairly silent during MLS’s initial move to leave the tournament last December and this past March.

It's no surprise that the groups, who have fans that will come crawling back for season tickets even as they get priced out, have little interest in making a statement.

LA Galaxy

• No official statements at this time

LAFC

• No official statements at this time

Minnesota United FC

Dark Clouds and Red Loons, supporters groups that pre-date Minnesota joining Major League Soccer, have come out in protest of the Leagues Cup. Dark Clouds called the Open Cup “part of the fabric of American soccer” and said it will not be organizing activities. Red Loons, a smaller group, called for an official boycott. Bucket Hat Brigade, another small group, also called for fans to not attend.

Red Loons head of social media and communications David Kelly spoke to HRB after his team’s decision, saying after the initial news regarding the Open Cup was announced the broad consensus was the group did not want to be a part of Leagues Cup.

“A lot of us go to Minneapolis City SC matches. There's a pretty big, strong undercurrent of lower league soccer and pre-professional soccer in the Twin Cities,” said Kelly. “That definitely shaped our view of the importance of the Open Cup as it includes all those teams and sort of lifts those teams up and gives them an opportunity to compete with the big boys.”

Kelly went on to say that the group would return to Leagues Cup games once “normalcy” returns, which includes the participation of all MLS first teams in the Open Cup.

“This is me speaking, but even when we lost to Union Omaha (USL League One) team back in 2022, that was still a great moment because we got to be part of this lower league team coming up here and beating us,” Kelly said. “Those moments are irreplaceable, the big part of the cup is for giving everyone a chance to play against the big boys and when they get their moment in the sun, you're happy to be part of it.”

Nashville SC

NSC Roadies, The Assembly, and Eastern Front SG are organizing support during the 2024 Leagues Cup.

New England Revolution

The Midnight Riders posted a statement on social media ahead of New England’s first match in Leagues Cup. The group opposed MLS's continued "repudiation" of the US Open Cup, asking the league to reconsider its current position and encouraging fans to speak out if they feel inclined. The group did not mention any plans to halt organizing of support during the Leagues Cup, which is not mentioned by name in the statement.

New York City FC

The Third Rail President Andrew Tucker announced in an email sent out earlier this month that he will not attend Leagues Cup games because of "how MLS and NYCFC disrespected the US Open Cup by not fully participating," but the organization stops short of calling for a boycott.

In the email, The Third Rail acknowledged that "not everyone wants to skip these matches" and encouraged members to "make their own choice." The email goes on to suggest that members who do want to protest trade in their tickets, email their representatives, or protest at the game. "You can also make up to a 3' x 5' sign that you can bring inside the stadium. As long as it is tasteful (no profanity) and doesn't attack anyone personally then security will let it in," the email reads. "There are ways for the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup to coexist, as they did last year, but MLS and NYCFC aren't going to try unless they hear from you."

New York Red Bulls

Viking Army SC announced that they "stand in solidarity with the US Open Cup" and will have no official presence for Leagues Cup games.

Torcida 96 publicly said they will be active during the Leagues Cup.

Empire SC told their members there will not be official activities during Leagues Cup, but their members are free to attend if they wish.

This all comes one year after RBNY supporters held a walkout protest against then-head coach Gerhard Struber and striker Dante Vanzeir for an alleged racist incident during a game.

Supporters remain upset after Red Bulls walkout

Red Bulls fans could continue to protest the club’s response to a racist comment made by striker Dante Vanzeir, with a Hudson River Derby walkout possible.

Hudson River BlueMichael Battista

Orlando City SC

The Iron Lion Firm announced back in April that they would not be supporting the Leagues Cup this year. However, a confirmed tweet said Orlando’s other group, Ruckus, held a vote with supporters deciding to not alter plans for the tournament this year.

A source from within Ruckus who asked to remain anonymous said that close to 80% of group officers and higher-ups are not supporting Leagues Cup. They added that the overall membership of the SG is split, but the leadership will respect the outcome of the vote, and those who attend Leagues Cup matches will help lead drum lines and chants.

Philadelphia Union

Philly’s largest group, the Sons of Ben, announced plans to boycott the Leagues Cup tournament. In a statement, SoB claimed to have spoken with head coach Jim Curtin and players to explain the decision was not retaliatory against them. The group also notes many of their members had already independently opted out of Leagues Cup tickets from their own personal season ticket plans.

Portland Timbers

Timbers Army organized support for the team during the 2024 Leagues Cup.

Real Salt Lake

• No official statements at this time

San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Ultras, the largest of the several groups that support the San Jose Earthquakes, is organizing support for the team during the 2024 Leagues Cup.

Seattle Sounders FC

During the Seattle Sounders opening game in the Leagues Cup against Minnesota United FC tonight on Friday, July 26, members of Gorilla FC took their place behind the goal at Lumen Field. However, the group's banner was placed upside down — a traditional signal of distress or great danger when used with flags.

The group released a statement on Twitter/X afterward, saying the display "signifies a state of emergency within U.S. Soccer" before going on to explain their reasoning for supporting the US Open Cup, which the Sounders have won four times, and what it represents in American soccer.

"Preserving the US Open Cup is essential to maintaining the diversity, inclusivity, and historical continuity of soccer in America," the statement reads. "We urge the soccer community, governing bodies, and stakeholders to take decisive steps to safeguard the future of the U.S. Open Cup. Let us honor the legacy of this tournament and ensure that it continues to inspire generations to come."

Sporting Kansas City

The Cauldron, an association of six Sporting Kansas City supporters groups, released a statement calling for full participation of Major League Soccer teams in the US Open Cup. The statement goes on to say the groups are proud that SKC was one of eight MLS teams to take part in the 2024 tournament and ends with the phrase "History over profits", which is the only potential mention of the Leagues Cup. It does not appear the groups will be changing their plans to support the team during the upcoming tournament.

Also, shoutout to Happy Rock Casuals for retweeting my post about Leagues Cup criticism getting players and team staff a $25k fine.

St. Louis CITY SC

One of the first groups to officially announce their intention to boycott was The St.Louligans of Saint Louis, Missouri. The group, formerly supporters of AC Saint Louis and Saint Louis FC, were joined by other St. Louis soccer groups Fleur de Noise, STL Santos, Saint Louis City Punks, The Thieves, and No Goal Patrol.

It’s worth noting that leadership from each group had a meeting earlier this month with St. Louis City President Diego Gigliani and MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting Product and Competition Nelson Rodriguez. The topic of the meeting was the decision by MLS to withdraw from the 2024 US Open Cup and plans to target a conversation for 2025. While the conversation was characterized as productive, each of the groups’ boycotts will remain in place.

Updated August 6, 2024: Following St. Louis City advancing to the knockout stage, STL Santos announced that it will end their boycott of the 2024 Leagues Cup.

After feedback from the group's members and board, along with the outcome of recent meetings between MLS and US Soccer, the supporters' group issued a statement expressing that their support of the USOC has been heard and they are confident next year's tournament will feature St Louis.

STL Santos, which created the design for the Open Cup protest merchandise that rose to prominence earlier this year, are the first recognized supporters' group of any MLS team to go-back on its boycott statement. The group will be back in the stands at CITY Park this Friday when their team host the Portland Timbers in the Round of 32. However, Santos respects any other supporters group or SG member "who continues to boycott the tournament."

Vancouver Whitecaps

Fans of the Vancouver Whitecaps don't have any skin in the game, as they are ineligible for the US Open Cup and instead continue to compete in the Canadian Championship. But before the Leagues Cup game vs Club Tijuana on Saturday, the Vancouver Southsiders announced they will show their loyalty to the US supporters' groups cause by not having any "banners, flags, drums, or capos."

The Southsiders were joined by two other VWFC supporters groups, Rain City Brigade and Vancouver Sisters Supporters Group. All three put on a muted display in solidarity with the protests.