The Supporters’ Shield is the MLS trophy given to the team with the best regular-season record, based on total points. It is separate from the MLS Cup, which is won through the playoffs.

How it works

  • Teams earn points during the season, and the club with the most points at the end wins the Shield.
  • It is considered a major league trophy and has been officially recognized since the late 1990s.
  • The winner also gets a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League competition.

Why it matters

The Shield rewards consistency over the full season, while the MLS Cup rewards playoff performance. In that sense, it is the closest MLS has to a regular- season championship.

In plain English

If a team finishes the season with the most points, they win the Supporters’ Shield, even if they do not win the playoffs.

TL;DR: The Supporters’ Shield is MLS’s regular-season title for the team with the best record.