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D.C. United's years of futility, by the numbers

Mark Selig

A view of the south stands prior to start of MLS soccer match between the Chicago Fire FC and DC United on May 25, 2024, at Audi Field in Washington, DC. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) — D.C. United is closing its seventh straight non-playoff season. Photo: John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

If MLS operated like European soccer leagues, D.C. United might be playing in the minor leagues by now — or at least trying to fight off relegation.

Why it matters: One of the most successful franchises in MLS history has become one of its least competitive, with years of rebuilding efforts yielding little progress.

The big picture: On Saturday, United will finish its seventh straight season without a playoff berth, the longest active drought in MLS and one season shy of a record. Of the league's 30 teams, 18 qualify.

By the numbers: Here's how far the United have fallen:

28th: United's standing, with one match remaining. The club finished dead last in 2025.
5: Head coaches D.C. United has had since 2020, including longtime leader Ben Olsen, who was fired that year. Three interim coaches have also taken the reins.
24th: United's ranking in player payroll, at $14.5 million in annual guaranteed compensation, according to the MLS Players Association.
11: Matches out of 33 this season in which United went scoreless.
2004: The last time United won the MLS Cup, its fourth championship in the league's first nine seasons.

Meanwhile: The Washington Spirit, which shares Audi Field but operates under a different ownership group, is thriving.

After reaching the past two NWSL championship games, the Spirit will host a playoff match Sunday against the Portland Thorns.

The bottom line: United helped build MLS and establish pro soccer in the nation's capital, but three decades later the league has passed it by.

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D.C. United's years of futility, by the numbers

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