The MLS Cup Playoffs are set to resume on November 23, 2024, following a lengthy break after the regular season.

This year's playoffs have already seen notable upsets, including the early elimination of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, the defending champion Columbus Crew, and the regular season champion FC Cincinnati.

The first round of the playoffs highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament, with four lower-seeded teams advancing, which could attract neutral fans.

Atlanta United successfully upset a higher seed by applying pressure and utilizing their home-field advantage.

Concerns have been raised about the competitive fairness of the playoffs, as both the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United advanced without winning a single game in regulation.

Critics argue that the current playoff format, introduced in 2023, fails to reward regular season performance, particularly with its reliance on a best-of-three series.

The format's dependence on penalty shootouts to resolve ties has drawn criticism, allowing teams to progress without securing an outright victory.

Stefan Frei of the Seattle Sounders voiced his dissatisfaction with the playoff structure, questioning the merit of advancing through tie-breaking penalties.

Players like Riqui Puig of LA Galaxy have also criticized the playoff schedule for not accommodating the international window in November, which disrupts team momentum.

In light of these issues, there are calls for a reevaluation of the playoff format to better balance entertainment with competitive integrity, especially following Messi's absence.

Proposals for a new playoff format include a group stage leading into a knockout bracket, which would maintain regular season significance and be more familiar to fans.

Such a proposed format would prioritize higher-seeded teams hosting matches, ensuring that regular season performance directly influences playoff dynamics.