Covering Major League Soccer is one of the most exciting paths in modern sports media. With the league’s rapid growth, expanding fanbase, and global talent pool, there’s more opportunity than ever, but also more competition. If you want to break in as an MLS journalist, you’ll need a mix of soccer knowledge, media skills, and persistence. Here’s how to get started.
Learn the League Inside and Out
Before you write a single article, you need to understand MLS at a deep level. This means more than just watching matches, it’s about knowing the structure, rules, and culture of the league.
Study the salary cap system, designated player rules, and playoff format. Follow clubs like Inter Miami CF and LA Galaxy, and understand how they build their rosters. Pay attention to storylines like emerging academies, rivalries, and international signings.
The more context you bring, the more credible your reporting will be.
Develop Strong Writing and Reporting Skills
Great MLS journalists aren’t just fans, they’re storytellers. Work on writing clearly, concisely, and with authority. Practice different formats:
- Match reports
- Player profiles
- Tactical analysis
- Breaking news
Study respected journalists like Paul Tenorio, who covers MLS with depth and insight. Notice how they blend reporting with analysis and human storytelling.
Build a Portfolio Early
You don’t need a job at a major outlet to start. Create your own opportunities:
- Launch a blog or Substack
- Contribute to smaller soccer websites
- Cover local or lower-league matches
If you’re near a Canadian MLS market, follow teams like Toronto FC or CF Montréal. Even if you can’t attend games, write detailed coverage based on broadcasts and press conferences.
Consistency matters more than perfection early on.
Master Multimedia: Photos and Video Matter
Modern sports journalism goes beyond writing. Editors increasingly expect reporters to capture visuals too.
Learn the basics of sports photography and videography. Even simple sideline shots or short highlight clips can add value to your coverage. When you don’t have access, use licensed editorial images from agencies like Vecteezy (MLS) or Getty Images to enhance your work professionally.
Clubs and fans engage more with content that looks polished and dynamic.
Build Relationships in the Soccer World
Networking is essential. Follow and interact with:
- MLS reporters
- Club media staff
- Players and agents
Attend press conferences (even virtual ones) and ask thoughtful questions. Over time, you’ll build credibility and sources, key ingredients for breaking stories.
Being professional and reliable will open more doors than trying to go viral.
Understand the Global Context
MLS doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of the global soccer ecosystem.
Follow international leagues and competitions, especially those that influence MLS talent pipelines. When stars like Lionel Messi join the league, the global spotlight intensifies. Understanding that broader context helps you frame stories that resonate beyond North America.
Stay Consistent and Adaptable
Breaking into MLS journalism rarely happens overnight. You’ll need to:
- Publish regularly
- Adapt to new platforms (social, video, newsletters)
- Stay on top of league trends
The media landscape is evolving quickly, and those who adapt are the ones who succeed.
Get Credentialed and Understand Matchday Access
As you grow, one of the biggest steps forward is gaining official media access. Applying for credentials through clubs or the league allows you to attend matches, training sessions, and press conferences in person.
Each MLS club, such as Seattle Sounders FC or Atlanta United FC, has its own media relations process. You’ll typically need a consistent publishing history and affiliation with a recognized outlet, or a well-established independent platform.
Once credentialed, professionalism matters. Show up early, respect locker room boundaries, and ask smart, concise questions. Building a reputation as a reliable presence on matchday can lead to better access, stronger relationships, and more exclusive stories over time.
Getting Started
Becoming an MLS journalist is about combining passion for soccer with professional-level storytelling and persistence. If you consistently produce quality work, build relationships, and embrace multimedia, you can carve out a place in one of North America’s fastest-growing sports leagues.
The opportunity is there, you just have to cover it better than anyone else.
Blitz