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TL;DR
- Major League Soccer (MLS) has set a new attendance record with over 11 million fans attending games in the 2024 season, surpassing the previous record of 10.9 million in 2023.
- The league achieved an average attendance of 23,240 fans per match, marking the first time MLS has exceeded the 11 million fan threshold.
- The presence of international stars, especially Lionel Messi, has significantly boosted attendance, often leading teams to play in larger stadiums.
- This record-breaking season marks the third consecutive year that MLS has drawn more than 10 million fans during the regular season.
Major League Soccer (MLS) has set a new attendance record, drawing over 11 million fans during the 2024 season, surpassing the previous record of 10.9 million set in 2023. This milestone reflects the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the league’s increasing appeal both locally and globally.
The league announced that it averaged 23,240 fans per game, breaking the 11 million-fan barrier for the first time in its history. This achievement comes with the regular season still ongoing, as 16 matches remain before it concludes on October 19.
A significant factor contributing to this surge in attendance is the arrival of international stars, particularly Lionel Messi. Messi’s presence in MLS has often led teams to relocate games to larger venues to accommodate increased fan interest. The league stated, “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.”
This year marks the third consecutive season that MLS has drawn more than 10 million fans, highlighting a steady growth trend. The league’s efforts to enhance fan experiences and offer attractive ticket packages have played a crucial role in boosting attendance figures.
Atlanta United FC leads MLS in home attendance, averaging 49,351 fans per game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Other teams such as Charlotte FC, New England Revolution, Seattle Sounders FC, and Nashville SC also rank among the top five in home attendance for 2024.
The impact of international superstars like Messi has not only increased ticket sales but also elevated media coverage and global attention towards MLS. As soccer continues its rise in popularity across the United States, MLS’s record-breaking season underscores its transformation from a niche sport into a staple of American sports culture. With its youthful and diverse fan base, soccer’s upward trajectory in the U.S. appears unstoppable as MLS closes out another successful season.
