For the first time ever in the history of Major League Soccer, more than 11 million fans have attended games during the 2024 regular-season.
The previous record was generated in 2023 when a cumulative total of 10,900,804 fans attended matches.
MLS attendances have seen a constant upturn from 2002′s 2.2 million moving to 7.3 million in 2005 and apart from the Covid-19 impacted seasons, the league has enjoyed a steady increase on attendance levels year-on-year.
The 2024 figure can be partly attributed to the arrival of international high profile starts figures such as Messi, Reus, Suárez, Busquets and Giroud with their arrival stimulating an increased interest in the domestic league with it not uncommon to have sold-out games in certain grounds across the nation.
MLS continues to grow
According to figures shared by MLS in July of this year, ticket sales have grown at a 12% increase compared to the previous year and the current regular season saw over 140 games as official sell-outs.
This positive response in attendance levels has also led to an increase in sponsorships with more brands anxious to get involved in the game with the 2026 World Cup an added incentive for many national and international brands.
Adidas alone have reported an uplift in MLS replica jersey sales alone this season with a 17% spike and inevitably, the Inter Miami shirt with No. 10/Messi occupying the number one spot.