Attention: This is the massive amount of money the MLS generates each year

The Major League Soccer (MLS) is rapidly establishing itself as a major player in the global football landscape. With soaring attendance figures, a growing financial footprint, and strategic partnerships, the league is ticking all the right boxes.

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In 2024 alone, the MLS has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity. Over 11 million fans have attended matches, surpassing the previous year's record. This comes as the league is still in the midst of its regular season, with 16 games remaining before the Decision Day playoffs. Moreover, fifteen matches have boasted an attendance of 40,000 or more, and five have even exceeded 60,000.

The league's growth is not just about overall numbers; it's also about consistent growth across the board. In 2024, 25 out of 29 clubs have seen an increase in average attendance compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, 29 clubs have achieved a remarkable 94% stadium occupancy rate, with 153 sell-outs halfway through the season.

MLS Goes Global: Record Attendance and Growing Fan Base

The MLS is capitalizing on this momentum by forging strategic partnerships. Recently, the league announced a deal with OneFootball, a global digital media platform, to deliver highlights, statistics, and other content to a worldwide audience. This partnership not only expands the league's reach but also positions it alongside European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City, who are also investors in OneFootball.

This growth is reflected in the league's bottom line. According to Sportico, the total revenue of all 29 MLS franchises is projected to reach $2.03 billion in 2023, with an average of $70 million per franchise. This represents a significant increase from 2022, when the total revenue was $1.6 billion. Over the past three years, the average revenue per MLS franchise has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%.

With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the MLS is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the global soccer frenzy. The league's combination of growing popularity, strategic partnerships, and financial success makes it a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.