MLS Opens 2026 Season With Record Attendance as League Valuations Reach $23 Billion.

Roger Hampel

Image: MLS

Major League Soccer began its 2026 season with the largest opening-day crowd in league history, as 75,673 fans attended the match between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami CF in Los Angeles.

The figure represents the highest attendance for an opening fixture in MLS history and the second-highest single-game crowd ever recorded by the league. The milestone underscores sustained commercial and cultural momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Audience Growth and Media Consumption MLS

MLS has recorded consecutive record seasons in 2024 and 2025, with total attendance surpassing 12 million fans in 2024 and reaching approximately 12 million again in 2025.

According to league data, MLS averaged 3.7 million gross live match viewers per week in 2025, representing a 29% year-on-year increase. The growth reflects the impact of structured broadcast windows on Apple TV and improved consistency in national scheduling.

The league’s media distribution model continues to evolve under its global streaming agreement with Apple, positioning MLS as one of the first major football leagues to centralise its international rights under a single platform.

$23 Billion in Combined Franchise Value

According to valuations published by Sportico, the combined value of MLS franchises now stands at $23 billion. The average club valuation has reached $767 million, representing a 39% increase since 2021. Five MLS clubs are now valued above $1 billion: Inter Miami, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United and NYCFC. Inter Miami is currently valued at $1.45 billion, reflecting a 22% year-on-year increase. The valuation growth coincides with record ticket demand, commercial partnerships and infrastructure expansion.

Sponsorship and Commercial Expansion

MLS continues to expand its sponsorship portfolio. Walmart recently activated a multi-year partnership, launching the “Walmart Saturday Showdown” broadcast concept. Chime has joined as an official league partner, while existing global agreements with adidas, Audi, Continental Tire, Allstate and Procter & Gamble have been renewed.

Structured appointment-viewing windows on Apple TV form part of the league’s strategy to create predictable national broadcast inventory for partners.

Infrastructure and Long-Term Positioning

MLS clubs have collectively invested approximately $11 billion in stadium infrastructure over the past two decades. A new stadium in Miami is scheduled to open in spring 2026, with additional projects in New York City (2027), Chicago (2028) and Everett for the New England Revolution in development.

All 13 U.S. and Canadian host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup currently have MLS representation, positioning league venues as operational bases during the tournament.