Excitement is sky-high going into the 2023 MLS season, which kicks off Saturday, February 25. Last season ended with one of the most thrilling MLS Cups ever as LAFC topped Philadelphia. What’s in store for 2023? Welp, we think we have an idea. Keep reading to get our 2023 MLS Cup championship predictions!
Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s first take a look at the top betting sites for soccer. Across the board, these sites have pegged the following clubs as 2023 MLS Cup favorites:
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAFC | +400 | +400 | +400 |
| Philadelphia Union | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| NYCFC | +800 | +800 | +800 |
| Nashville SC | +900 | +900 | +900 |
| Austin FC | +900 | +900 | +900 |
| LA Galaxy | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Seattle Sounders | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| CF Montreal | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
Best Picks To Win 2023 MLS Cup
LAFC won the MLS double in 2022 — that is taking home not just the Cup, but also the Supporter Shield’s trophy. They were the first team to do so since 2017, which proves just how unpredictable the MLS playoffs typically are. Therefore, you can’t be foolish enough to only make one bet on the 2023 MLS Cup winner. No way. For that reason, we have three picks (listed in order from most confident to less confident). Here’s who we got money on:
LAFC
The franchise “exercised the demons” a year ago, finally winning the MLS Cup after so much regular-season success since debuting in 2018. However, the organization now has its eyes on creating a dynasty, which LAFC general manager John Thorrington openly said. We’re very much of the belief that it can happen, hence why LAFC is our priority bet to make.
For one, the bulk of its 2022 roster is back in the mix. However, there are two notable departures. The first is forward Christian Arango. He’s now in Liga MX after netting 30 goals in 51 appearances for LAFC over the past year and a half. Gareth Bale also retired. He hardly suited up for LAFC in 2022 but did provide the equalizing goal of the MLS Cup Final in extra time. But LAFC did counter those losses on the defensive end by signing Aaron Long.
LAFC's top-notch organization makes this an easy bet. The roster is stacked as is, and it could get better. After all, players like Arango and Bale were all mid-season acquisitions at one point. If that happens again, you want to have money on them already before oddsmakers shave their betting odds.
Philadelphia Union
We had to pick Philadelphia after how close they’ve come the past two years. Two years ago they won the Supporter’s Shield and had LAFC on the ropes in the 2022 MLS Cup Final before Bale's miracle goal. Third luck is the charm, right? We think so. Just about all the core 2022 starters are back, and perhaps hungrier than ever after the penalty-kick heartbreak. We’re putting money on them without question.
Austin FC
Here’s a franchise trending up. Austin made it to the Western Conference Finals in year two of its existence, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they “climb the mountaintop” in year three. Sebastian Driussi is a rare talent in the MLS, who can take games over at will. He tallied 22 goals and five assists in 34 regular season appearances last season. Getting by LAFC in the conference won’t be easy, but with a lucky break here and there, Austin FC could very well do it and win it all.
How To Watch MLS In 2023?
Alright, we had to write an entire section on watching MLS in 2023 and onward. Why? Because it’s not like how it used to be. Apple TV acquired to rights for MLS games starting this year — meaning you won’t be able to flip on Fox Sports or ESPN to watch games anymore.
Apple, of course, has its own streaming service they call Apple+. The monthly subscription to this is $6.99. However, that alone isn’t going to get you access to MLS. No, no, Apple is offering a stand-alone MLS Season Pass which must be bought within Apple TV+. The price for this is either $14.99 a month or $99 per season.
With MLS Season Pass, you get every single live MLS regular season match and the entire MLS Cup Playoffs. No more TV blackouts either. It’s a killer deal if you ask us, and one we’d get accustomed to sooner rather than later. Apple and MLS entered into a 10-year agreement so this is here to stay.
How To Bet On MLS In 2023?
If you need a one-stop shop for betting on MLS this 2023 season, then start with one of the bookmakers listed underneath. They’ll have odds for every single MLS wager you can think of — moneylines, over/unders, props, or futures like we covered above. The sites listed in the table were the highest-rated ones in our newest sportsbook review section.
But here’s the real kicker (pun intended): if you join one of these sites right now, you stand to gain hundreds to thousands of dollars in free play via lucrative sign-up bonuses. These bonuses could effectively bankroll your MLS bets for free over the next month. Bonuses available right now are listed below so get to it if you want to wager free of cost!
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