The term "MLS" can refer to two different things: the Multiple Listing Service in real estate and Major League Soccer in professional soccer. Here is how each works:
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Real Estate
The MLS is a database created by real estate professionals where brokers list properties for sale within a specific region. Real estate agents update the MLS in real time with detailed information on homes, such as photos, pricing, features, and status changes. Only licensed agents can access and post listings in the MLS. It serves as a cooperative platform for agents and brokers to share property listings, maximize exposure, and assist buyers in finding available homes. Agents pay membership fees to access the MLS, and it helps create a competitive and transparent housing market by consolidating all listings in one place.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
Major League Soccer is the highest level of professional soccer in the United States and Canada, consisting of 30 teams (27 from the U.S. and 3 from Canada). The teams are divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western. Each team plays 34 games in the regular season (17 home and 17 away). They play each team in their conference twice (home and away) and face a set number of teams from the opposite conference. The team with the best overall regular season record wins the Supporters' Shield, but the main championship is decided through end-of-season playoffs culminating in the MLS Cup. The league operates under a single-entity structure where the league owns player contracts and teams have investor-operators.
If the user meant real estate MLS, it's a collaborative property listing system for agents; if meant sports MLS, it's a professional soccer league system with conferences, schedules, and playoffs.
