• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 1, 2025

MLS Draws Record Attendance for 2022 Season

  • More than 10 million fans attended an MLS game.
  • On Disney networks, viewership reached 356,000 P2+.
MLS
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Soccer’s popularity is picking up steam across the globe, and this year’s Major League Soccer regular season was a clear sign of its growth in North America.

The league hosted more than 10 million fans during the 2022 regular season, marking the highest ticket revenue clubs have ever generated — and far exceeding the record 8.6 million fans in 2019, according to Forbes.

Atlanta United FC led the league’s average attendance with 47,116 fans, while Charlotte FC broke the single-game attendance record when it hosted 74,479 fans at the start of the season.

On Disney networks, viewership reached 356,000 for people aged 2 and up — the league’s highest average ever. FOX Deportes and ESPN Deportes had a 13% year-over-year viewership increase, and TSN in Canada saw an 8% increase.

MLS recorded increases in merchandise sales, viewership, and online engagement. 

  • The league added 600,000 net followers on social media platforms, a 65% year-over-year increase.
  • Sales for jerseys launched in 2022 on MLSstore.com increased 10% from last year.

MLS Movement

MLS isn’t slowing down.

Next year, the league will add a new team — St. Louis City SC — and start a new, exclusive media deal with Apple reportedly worth at least $2.5 billion.

“It’s all with a view to the 2026 World Cup being here, Canada, and Mexico, and the ability to really draft off that incredible moment, which will be the biggest sporting event the world’s ever seen at that point,” said David Bruce, MLS senior vice president of brand and integrated marketing.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.

Brett Yormark: Big 12 Puts Private Equity and Naming Rights on Pause

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is shifting his conference’s strategy.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.

Featured Today

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”
Oct 27, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) walks down the court during a time out during the first half at Paycom Center.

Pacers, Thunder Both Built Finals Teams Off Trading Paul George

George is a key piece of trivia in this year’s NBA Finals.
May 30, 2025

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.
June 1, 2025

WNBA Championship Ring Boom: ‘Way Bigger. Way More Diamonds’

The Liberty’s WNBA championship ring value soared to $60,000.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
Sha'Carri Richardson
May 29, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Enters Track Start-Up Fray With Alexis Ohanian

Richardson headlines a group of “advisor owners” with equity in the league.
May 29, 2025

Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup Final Appearance, Stir Up Dynasty Talk

The Panthers clinched a third-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
May 29, 2025

NCAA Exploring March Madness Expansion to 76 Teams in 2026

NCAA president Charlie Baker said March Madness discussions are ongoing.
Softball
May 29, 2025

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.