Major League Soccer (MLS) has shattered its previous attendance record, with over 11 million fans flocking to games this season. This milestone surpasses the 10.9 million fans who attended games in 2024, marking a significant achievement for the league.
MLS has averaged an impressive 23,240 fans per game, breaking the 11 million-fan barrier for the first time. The league attributes this surge in attendance to the arrival of international stars like Lionel Messi, whose presence has prompted teams to move fixtures to larger stadiums.
“The arrival of international stars and the work from clubs to create more unique fan-friendly ticket packages and game day experiences are among the key drivers of the continued surge of record-breaking attendance across MLS,” the league stated.
This record-breaking tally comes with the regular season still ongoing. Sixteen more matches remain before the season concludes on October 19. The attendance numbers mark the third consecutive year that MLS has drawn more than 10 million fans.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his delight at the league’s success, stating, “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clubs, players, and fans. We are committed to continuing to grow the game of soccer in North America and providing our fans with an unforgettable experience.”
The league’s expansion into new markets and the addition of new teams have also contributed to the increased attendance. MLS currently has 29 teams across the United States and Canada, with plans to expand to 30 teams in the near future.
