When it comes to sports, it’s fair to say soccer hasn’t been close to traditional favorites like basketball and baseball in terms of popularity. However, Major League Soccer attendance now proves otherwise. Whether it’s due to Messi-mania or just the love of the game, there’s no denying the increasing love for the game.
However, questions still linger: Is attendance in MLS rising, and what can you expect going forward?
A Brief Peak into the Growth of Soccer
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Before going into how Major League Soccer attendance is rising, it’s important to understand the growth of the game as a whole. This is a journey that began in 1994 when the US hosted the FIFA World Cup.
While the US wasn’t a soccer-loving nation before, that would begin to change gradually. After such a spectacle, with the world’s best players gracing the occasion, interest in the game rose immediately.
And two years later, the MLS was born. At the time, it only had 10 teams and faced numerous challenges including a lack of soccer-specific stadiums. At some point, it was even losing money resulting in teams leaving the league.
Fast-forward three decades, and the story couldn’t be more different. The MLS has become a stable and competitive league, attracting players across the globe. In recent years, global stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Andrea Pirlo have graced the league.
Now, infamous Barcelona stars such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi are part of the roster, playing for Inter Miami.
What Does the Data Say About Major League Soccer Attendance?
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In 2019, Major League Soccer attendance record stood at a record 8.6 million. This figure then rose to 10 million in 2022, 10.4 million in 2023, and is now on course to reach a whopping 10.9 million. In fact, except for the years impacted by COVID, the MLS is on an eight-year streak of rewriting attendance records.
As you can imagine, this growth is also evident at club level. A record-setting seven clubs are on track to break their average attendance records. Moreover, clubs like Austin FC, LAFC, Philadelphia Union, and St Louis are selling out each week.
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Why Is Attendance Rising in the MLS?
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Many factors are playing a key role in the growth of Major League Soccer attendance. The first and most important one is organic growth. While there’s a lot of hype surrounding Major League Soccer at this time due to big-name players, the league has maintained an upward trajectory for over a decade.
Unlike in the 70s and 80s, seeing kids going to soccer practice and aspiring to play professionally in the US is common. It’s this new breed of players and fans that has been propelling the league forward.
Undeniably, the signing of mega stars has had a massive impact over the past few years. For instance, since Messi’s arrival attendance rates have risen so much that clubs are planning for stadium expansions. In the same vein, ticket prices, especially for his matches, are rising astronomically.
With each passing game, now dubbed the ‘Messi Effect,’ is only increasing. Considering his contract runs up to December 2025 in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup in the US, expect Major League Soccer attendance to continue rising.
About the Author
Chris is a soccer aficionado whose life revolves around the game. He’s played competitively and is now a soccer writer and coach. Whether it’s in-depth match and player analyses or tactical reviews, his engaging writing style appeals to fans worldwide. Keep following his writings to stay informed about all things soccer.
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