The deal will see the two leagues share ideas on stadium construction and player development, as well as collaborating on areas including licensing, new media and refereeing.

"We have a tremendous amount we can learn from our colleagues at the Bundesliga," said MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis at the Sportel conference in Miami.

"We're very excited about it."

The partnership was the idea of Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer, who has close ties to the Austrian owners of the New York Red Bulls MLS franchise.

"We want to support the growth of soccer in the United States on a long-term basis," said Bundesliga chief executive officer Christian Seifert.

However, Seifert added that the relationship would be "equal", with MLS able to offer advice on how to deal with a fragmented media landscape and the potential benefits of a salary cap system.

"We initiated discussions with Major League Soccer because of the impressive progress it has made since its inception in 1996," Seifert added.

"We look forward to learning from MLS, an exemplary organisation and a modern league with an eye on the future. Likewise, we are proud to contribute to the continued rise of soccer in the United States."

MLS commissioner Don Garber said: "This relationship marks an important step forward for Major League Soccer.

"We are all aware that this age of globalisation means new challenges for soccer, the most global sport.

"We are proud to enter this mutually beneficial relationship with the Bundesliga, one of the world's most well-run and most successful soccer leagues."

Under the agreement, the two leagues could organise pre-season tournaments, but there is no provision in the deal to exchange players between the two countries.

The deal is the latest in a number of steps taken by MLS to expand their international horizons.

The Colorado Rapids franchise has this season announced a partnership with Premiership club Arsenal, while the biggest impact will come when former England captain David Beckham moves from Real Madrid to the Los Angeles Galaxy later this summer.

Seifert backed Beckham to succeed in America, and said it was step forward for the league.

"One player will not change the world," he said. "It's a step in the right direction. Beckham is not a guy at the end of his career. Most of all he's a great soccer player. He will increase the value of the team."