• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 16, 2025

Soccer’s U.S. Boom: MLS and NWSL Break Attendance Records

  • Both Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League have set attendance records.
  • The continued rise of pro soccer in the U.S. precedes several forthcoming international events in the country.
Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

The mainstream limelight may not be on soccer quite as much as it was last year, but the sport is nonetheless having a historic season in the U.S. with plenty of new records being set.

Over the weekend, Major League Soccer surpassed 11 million in 2024 attendance, reaching that figure for the first time in league history, and doing so with 16 matches and nearly two weeks left in the regular season. The figure beat last year’s league record of 10.9 million. 

Inter Miami forward and international superstar Lionel Messi remains a major attraction, including an April 13 match at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Chiefs, that drew 72,610, the largest individual attendance figure for the league this season. But now in his second MLS season, every game involving Messi is no longer a national curiosity. Additionally, MLS attendance figures also owe to other factors, including growth in season-ticket sales across the league, more consistent scheduling, and local strength in numerous individual club markets.

Further attendance growth is expected next year when the league’s 30th team, San Diego FC, begins play. 

The Women’s Surge 

The National Women’s Soccer League, meanwhile, has more than ably followed up on a banner 2023 season that included record attendance, the establishment of two expansion franchises, and record-setting TV contracts. This year, the NWSL has already surpassed 1.5 million in attendance—surging past last season’s 1.37 million—and expects to reach two million by the end of the regular season. Both the expansion Bay FC and the revived Utah Royals began play this year, with the former currently in line for a playoff spot. 

Furthering trends from earlier this season, the NWSL is also enjoying the fruits of an expanded schedule and more games played in larger, MLS-sized facilities. The league additionally set a single-game league record in June with a game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, home of MLB’s Cubs, that drew more than 35,000.

While a rising tide lifts all boats, the NWSL’s achievements this year nonetheless arrive as the WNBA has hit an entirely different inflection point with the transformative arrival of heralded rookie star Caitlin Clark

Rising Tide 

The robust soccer numbers also highlight the growth of the sport in the U.S. as a series of major international events are due to hit the country in the next several years, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

In years past, the survival of both MLS and the NWSL were in question at various points as both attendance and revenue numbers were shaky in many markets. Those rocky periods are increasingly a distant memory now.

“When I started this journey many years ago, I never thought the league would be where it is today,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said earlier this year, upon hitting the 25th anniversary of his tenure. “It speaks to the resilience of the sport in our country.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Devers

Devers Stunner Only Part of Wild Week for Fenway Sports Group

Red Sox fans immediately started making connections to soccer.
Jun 7, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Current forward Flora Marta Lacho (30) passes the ball as NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell (7) defends during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Gotham FC Owner Wants to Apply Peloton Instructor Model to NWSL Players

“We need to inject our Gotham stars into New York culture.”
Club World Cup

Club World Cup Opening Weekend: 80,000 at Rose Bowl, Dry Pitch at..

FIFA’s new tournament started with some surprising successes and early issues.

Featured Today

Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.

MLB Balls Are ‘Different’ This Season, per Andrew McCutchen

Scoring is down a touch across the league this season.
Hilary Knight
June 13, 2025

The PWHL Badly Wants Parity. At What Cost?

The expansion draft has turned Seattle and Vancouver into instant title contenders. 
June 15, 2025

NBA Offseason Begins During Finals As Magic Trade Huge Package For Bane

Orlando is sending four first-round picks to Memphis for the star guard.
Sponsored

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

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
Napheesa Collier
exclusive
June 13, 2025

WNBA Union Left Out of Ion Talks, Wants Say in Future Deals

Ion has aired the WNBA since 2023.
June 13, 2025

From NFL to PGA Tour: How Brian Rolapp Could Reshape Golf

Brian Rolapp is set to become the PGA Tour’s first CEO.
June 13, 2025

Swift-Eh? NHL Hopes Taylor’s Magic Touch Boosts the Stanley Cup Final

The pop superstar got emotional about the Oilers’ overtime win Thursday.
June 12, 2025

Potential Goodell Successor Brian Rolapp Leaves NFL for PGA CEO Job

Rolapp is the architect of the NFL’s 11-year, $111 billion media deals.