How Major League Soccer Plans To Overtake Baseball

Soccer in the U.S. has not always had the best track record. Its popularity wavers and interest is usually tied to significant events, such as the World Cup or the Olympics. Major League Soccer has spent over 25-years trying to change soccer’s sentiment in the U.S. while competing with more fast-paced, high-scoring sports like the NFL and the NBA.
Over the last ten years, the MLS has become increasingly popular. The league garnered the attention of top talent, brought in significant investments, and generated a massive presence on social media. However, before the MLS can overtake the MLB soon, the league needs to dominate one crucial area: television viewership.
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How Major League Soccer Plans To Overtake Baseball

[@ryankiracofe]

“More fast paced sports like the NFL”… yeah, 15 minutes of action in 3 hours of commercials and replays

[@TagusMan]

Was gonna say the same thing. NFL 🏈 is the most boring sport on the planet.

[@rafaidan]

@@TagusMan Legit Same thing with Baseball

[@jaycup9621]

Yeah and don't forget that the offense and defense meets after every play to decide what the next play is going to be.

[@Corsaconcepts_]

Lmaoo facts, NFL is cool and all but literally they only play for 15mims tops! The rest of the 2/3 hours the game is ok is just advertisements/marketing sport. That’s why the NFL survives. Because of the amount of marketing pushed through out the games.. 15 mins of full time play. Unlimited time outs, stoppages, gives plenty time for adverts..

[@kly826]

@@Corsaconcepts_ wait... If the game is only 15 minutes long, how do they fit in the 3 hours of advertising? What are time-outs??

[@sdot5389]

I am a lifelong baseball fan in my 40s. I bled baseball up until about 5 years ago. But they are losing me - rapidly. The NFL lost me about 7 or 8 years ago. Every year I care less and less. The pace and commercials for both seem agonizing to me now. But soccer is killing it and I’m hooked. The number one thing is that it’s relatively easy to follow, especially with younger kids. It’s also constant action instead of all the start/stops. Also, the games are short and predictable in length. Time is a premium these days for people like me and this sport fits like a glove.

[@brentmeyer712]

Baseball games are getting longer. Nobody want's to stay at a baseball game once it passes 3 hours in length. I had an internship with a MILB team. Nobody was at the game once it passes 3 hours in length (unless it's fireworks night), granted MILB games are just a social event for families, nobody is watching the game ( besides that rare few who follow their favorite team's MILB pipeline). But the MLB is having that same issue ( baseball in general). Fan's stop caring about the game once it passes 3 hours. I love what Rob Manford is doing in the Minors, experimenting and finding ways to make the game quicker. It doesn't help that the MLB is now in a lockout. By the sounds of it, this lockout might be here for a while. I could see baseball being an obsolete sport in the next 15 years ( sadly). It is not American's pastime anymore. I could legit see soccer being American's pastime. Props for the Savannah Bananas for making their own twist in baseball. I will gladly watch a 3 hours Bananas game. They have changed the game of baseball where it is fun to watch by adding drama such as if a fan catches a foul ball it is an out ( for both teams). That might be a little outrageous for MLB, but they need to do something to get the younger generation excited about baseball.

[@RavarsenBlogspot]

Watch t20 cricket. It's baseball on steroids

[@aig916]

Watch any game of Leeds United , its non stop action

[@PattyBLeague]

Same here!

[@roberttorres8477]

Let me guess your a conservative.. dude get over your politics and enjoy sports

[@fatherleo4603]

The older I get, the more tired I am of all the long pauses and commercials in American Football and Basketball. Soccer just keeps me engaged the entire 90 minutes and its one of the main reasons why I'm loving this sport more.

[@TickleMeElmo55]

I'm a NCAA fan. Though I love soccer, there's nothing more Americana than college sports in the form of football, basketball and even volleyball (i.e. Huff Hall - Fighting Illini).

[@coolrandomguy2992]

@@TickleMeElmo55 Something about college sports is that atmosphere feels alot better than NFL/MLB/NBA where crowd doesn't really have a big impact. Although in soccer there's nonstop reactions and singing that enhances experience especially Europe but MLS games I've watched have had some brilliant atmospheres surprisingly

[@tobz1693]

Advice for american who interest to watch football/soccer. Dont watch the ball, watch the player movement especially the player whos not dribbling and possibly to pass next. Sorry for my horrible english

[@LunaticTheCat]

@@tobz1693 Your English is perfectly fine

[@robertc6293]

One of the reasons I became big fan of Formula1. ZERO commercials and no halftime , baby 😎

[@adhynugroho9424]

What soccer/football has going for it: 1. Match length is highly predictable and MUCH shorter than MLB and NFL 2. Rules are sooo simple compared to other sport 3. Scoring system is simple as well 4. Gameplay, for the most part, just floooows constantly (no start-stop) 5. The sport can be visually beautiful (elite teams play realy aesthetically pleasing football), fast, technical, and relatively non-violent 6. Goals come in ALL shapes and sizes and from all different angles and distances. 7. Crowd chants/songs are fun

[@ft3265]

Great list, fully agree. For me, points 5, 6, and 7 are the biggest advantages of soccer versus hockey for example. Some soccer goals are a thing of beauty.

[@shaunigothictv1003]

Excellent points@adhy.

[@eriklakeland3857]

7 is a great one. The chants/songs can range from hilarious to downright vicious.

[@eriklakeland3857]

@@ft3265do you think hockey isn’t beautiful? There are some downright brilliant team goals and individual moments of magic on par with the beautiful game IMO

[@MA-ck4wu]

@@eriklakeland3857 There's definitely amazing goals in hockey, but it's just the nature of the game that limits the range of goals. In soccer you can score by: tapping the ball in, diving header, header in the direction of the ball, header against the direction of the ball, a volley, a bicycle kick, a long-distance shot, a back-heel, an extremely curled shot, etc.

[@Sacto1654]

One thing that helps MLS is that games are relatively short compared to American football and baseball, both of which can tie up over three hours in "real" time from the beginning to the end of the game.

[@Yautah]

as a filthy euro, i really want to know how it feels as an american to watch 45 mins of sport with (i guess, I'm not living there) very few commercials/breaks ?

[@xiv1496]

@@Yautah i would answer that but i’m one of the few Americans that only watch football/soccer and not any other sport.

[@Yautah]

@@xiv1496 :(

[@Sacto1654]

@@Yautah But don't forget all that advertising you see on the sidelines already.

[@Yautah]

@@Sacto1654 yeah but it's still way more tolerable, even tho some of them are moving now which can be distracting, it's nothing compared to real, in your face with weirdly high audio level, commercials. if you know what i mean.

[@2121johnwayne]

Fun fact: The US had a soccer league back in the 20’s and early 30’s. It folded due to the great depression

[@Challenges-um2zd]

Not just any league, one of if not the best in the world.

[@ranelgallardo7031]

Imagine if they didn’t fold, the US would be a soccer power.

[@thelinedrive]

And it was because the same people who owned the baseball teams also owned the soccer teams as a source of off-season revenue

[@cesaredibambinolo3439]

Really??? Wow 😳

[@S1LVAW0LF]

Things could be so different if this didnt happen man....better late than never right.

[@fonzerellie3518]

I never liked Soccer until i attented a game live . Omg !! I was instantly hooked . It was insane , once the clock starts running its non stop action .

[@jordanjohnson9866]

Some of you comment is not the truth. Not insane. /

[@1MPUL5IVE]

@@jordanjohnson9866 no it is, I’ve taken non soccer fans to lafc games before and even if they don’t necessarily love the sport, they love the environment. Something about the music and non stop chants makes them want to attend another live game.

[@adhwaith1801]

@@jordanjohnson9866 attend a game first bozo...no other sport like ⚽

[@dwaynesinclair2155]

Welcome brother. Spread the gospel

[@joules_sw]

Yes cause you can see better the formations and how they move without the ball

[@jonathanlogan3060]

I don't think our goal is to see the MLS overtake the MLB in any way... revenue, popularity etc. We just want soccer to be truly global. It's not about being big, it's about being a sport for everyone. The beautiful game is more than a way of life.

[@moralesxavier777]

You right this whole time I was tryna make it competitive and wanting football (soccer) to be a bigger sport but what you said I can’t argue it and I have to agree

[@cptspeedy6358]

For football to be global you need to call it football first

[@kerrysmith1899]

@@cptspeedy6358 Everywhere? It's not called that in Italy, Germany, Brazil or Asia. Why confuse it with American football/helmetball.

[@cptspeedy6358]

@@kerrysmith1899 i know i was just looking for an argument because i was bored

[@kerrysmith1899]

@@cptspeedy6358 Been there, done that.

[@mattweiss7645]

All I know is that Americans will freakin' love this sport. The energy, the flow, the pace, the suddenness and excitement. The people that don't love it yet, probably just haven't watched enough yet. 2026 is going to be a real eye opener for many.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? MLS MLB

[@JK-gu3tl]

What I love most is the intricate passing and build up.

[@mli3083]

The pace of 2 goals per game? Our culture demands instant gratification

[@chriskey7440]

Yeah I don't see the MLS taking off here, the league just doesn't have the players. Most MLS games from my experience are really freaking boring, but I live in Dallas and FCD keeps selling their best players but even when they were one of the best teams in the league, going to games was fun if you sat in the rowdy section but the actual product, the soccer, was trash.

[@khairulhelmihashim2510]

suddenness and unpredictability are what makes the game tense. you can go for a 5 minutes toilet break, only to find that 2 goals have been scored while you are away.

[@ocampbell1954]

The internet and cable tv is why soccer is growing in the states. We had no access to the EPL, La Liga, etc in the 90s and early 2000s. The game is accessible now and as a result it's gaining popularity

[@edwardkelly3280]

I know it wasn’t accessible to the average American in the early 2000s but Fox Sports World(later became Fox Soccer) was showing live EPL games(granted back then it was only games that involved Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea).

[@paulishak5673]

@@edwardkelly3280 even now you need 3-4 different subscriptions to watch soccer games. The bright side is we can watch it now.

[@SE-ZESS]

💯

[@strikingblazer760]

My dad had access to epl in the states during the 2000s

[@SE-ZESS]

@@strikingblazer760 Sky Sports was the only option then and it was not cheap.

[@joslu80eight5]

I’m just glad football is finally getting the recognition it deserves here in the states!

[@NoName-zh2qo]

soccer

[@joshdavies391]

@@NoName-zh2qo no

[@jmlepunk]

@@NoName-zh2qo football

[@josebertel7000]

@@joshdavies391 HAHAHA

[@haris6621]

@@NoName-zh2qo Football for the rest of the world

[@charlestruppi7793]

My son is 19. His friends love NFL and NBA. Many of them like soccer and hockey. Not one of his friends likes or follows baseball. Baseball is kept alive and propped up by baseball writers. MLS was started in the wake of the ‘94 World Cup. It will explode in the wake of the upcoming World Cup here.

[@me56ize]

i actually cant wait for 2026

[@kelvincuellar2427]

baseball is a dying sport and the MLB is at fault by not advertising and promoting the league more and it's star players. Honestly LA and NYC are the only two cities in America where I think baseball is still massively popular due to the history of the Yankees and Dodgers and the amount of branding and advertising these two ball clubs do.

[@charlestruppi7793]

@@kelvincuellar2427 has nothing to do with marketing. The sport itself, even with all the changes this year, is too slow for young people. I live in NYC area. Yes, Yanks and Mets are still big draws, but go into any school and ask the kids to rate their favorite sports and baseball is nowhere near the top. In 50 years, baseball will be a minor sport in the US.

[@kelvincuellar2427]

@@charlestruppi7793 yea you're right about that but you also have to remember that baseball was surging in popularity in the 90s/early 2000s thanks to the steroid era. MLB put a stop that which crushed the sports. Not only that but there are a ton of exciting and good baseball players that attract attention. MLB has failed to capitalize on that

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Best thing about soccer is how accessible it is, you just need a ball to play. Much less expensive to get started for low income communities which will lead to more opportunities for scholarships and professional careers.

[@HuevoDuro702]

Nope soccer is pay to play! It's very expensive in the states

[@LegendNinja41]

@@HuevoDuro702 isn't everything pay to play and expensive in the states? Well, maybe not Oil prices. people get squeezed.

[@cappyjones]

@@HuevoDuro702 To play *organized* soccer is expensive, but any group of kids with a ball and a flat open field can play without needing specialized equipment.

[@TMartins379]

The US made it pay to play. Most countries around the world, all you need is a ball and a friend. When rec centers start building soccer fields or neighborhood soccer fields, you will see the difference.

[@LegendNinja41]

@Yuri huh?

[@marfon7618]

Not bad for a league created in the late 90s. The future looks promising 👍

[@gloriathomas3245]

Lol MLS is nothing but a stepping stone for Americans with towards Europe and a retirement league largely for European players done past their prime. MLS will never be taken seriously.

[@michaeltnk1135]

@@gloriathomas3245 The amount of talent the MLS has now compared to 10 years ago is insane. Saying that it will NEVER be taken seriously isn’t logical. The MLS has seen massive growth, why do you not expect it to continue?

[@TestTest-ei4gi]

@@michaeltnk1135 especially since they’re expand teams so they’ll touch more markets

[@victorgarcia-xy4oj]

@@gloriathomas3245 MLS has been improving every year. You have to Remember that the MLS is still a young leauge in a country where soccer is not the most popular sport. But there's been immense growth. La Primera División de Argentina and the Brazilian top division loses their top talent to Europe so are they not a serious leauge but just a stepping stone?

[@edwin_trejo]

@@gloriathomas3245 it was a retirement league about 7 years ago. Now the multimillion signings for young foreign talent and the multimillion young American export to Europe is big now days.

[@Thomas-der-Zweite]

As a european, I'm looking forward to compare the world cup in 1994 to the world cup in 2026. Also, it is nice to see many US players not only playing in the MLS, but all over the world as well. - Well done. 👏

[@theofficialonlyone_1864]

yeah its gonna be quite different in 1994 soccers growth was stoped because of nasl fell but in 1996 mls had their 1st team and its has a new team every year is rapid expansion is different not the same as nasl's over expansion

[@Khairan99]

golazo

[@janicknorman8778]

How to make soccer more popular in the US. Simple, bring the sport to the hood.

[@jmal]

Right? For all we know, the mythical American Ronaldo or Messi could be coming from South Central LA or Detroit. There's lots of potential talent hiding in the inner cities and we're wasting it on middle-class preppies hoping to get into the big 5 European leagues on daddy's money. Christian Pulisic is one of a handful of exceptions that prove the rule.

[@JorgeM270]

@@jmal That's not really the issue. A massive amount of Americans play soccer. The issue is getting them to stick with the sport. Many of our top athletes will choose football, basketball, or soccer due to them being more financially lucrative

[@cjvaye99]

well first we need a major black superstar in soccer to inspire kids. kind of like how Magic and Jordan inspired so many to wanna be like them.

[@bridgetk944]

@@cjvaye99 i mean, i think there have been many american black players that kids could look up to, but it requires much more media attention/coverage on mainstream channels like espn and fox sports. i think to be a superstar you also need to put in consistently great performances and stand out from the crowd like magic and jordan did. there aren't that many american players like that, black or not. however, some players that could've been that player to look up to in the past are damarcus beasley, jozy altidore, and especially tim howard, one of our greatest ever goalkeepers and undeniably our best player in the 2014 world cup. these days there's weston mckennie, tyler adams, zack steffen, etc. and these are just the players that have made the natinoal team. but with usually brief mentions of soccer on espn, fox sports, etc, compared to basketball, football, baseball, and hockey, what would attract kids, especially black kids where soccer is far from the most popular sport, to try it out? i think the pay to play system in america is what is really holding back marginalized or low income communities, no matter their race, from getting involved in soccer. plus, as mentioned above, there's simply more money available in the other major sports for kids in those communities to strive for.

[@Yandel21ableify]

@@bridgetk944 You need a black player like Mario Balotelli to get the inner city African Americans interested in soccer.

[@vitaminA_1]

Consider that Soccer games have 45 minute continuous halves and one 15 minute intermission. Commercials are minimized to promos on the side of the pitch and the entire 15 minute intermission. The 3 major US sports have WAY TOO MANY STOPS IN THE GAMES FOR COMMERCIALS. If the level of the soccer product keeps increasing, it has a real chance of overtaking the majors.

[@almightyj1629]

Yup reasons why i stopped watching a lot of American football I’ll usually catch a game but to many stops and adds

[@cakexpress6235]

In Sweden and probably most places the half time break only has about three to five minutes of ads at the beginning and the end of the break. The rest is made up o a studio with ex players and analysts talking about the game.

[@VinceJ1990]

In the UK, the 15minute half time break is not all commercials, approx half of that is match analysis.

[@tobz1693]

Advice for american who interest to watch football/soccer. Dont watch the ball, watch the player movement especially the player whos not dribbling and possibly to pass next. Sorry for my horrible english

[@murderbear9576]

3 Major US Sports NHL: 😔

[@keeperman4]

"Competing with faster paced, higher scoring sports like the NFL...." LOL. 3.5 hour game, 11 minutes of play, 200+ commercials. That is hilarious.

[@LegendNinja41]

damn 3.5h? how is it still the most popular sport? or do most fans just watch highlights?

[@keeperman4]

@@LegendNinja41 Most fans watch the whole game and waste their lives away

[@JDBass36]

NFL is still more interesting then Soccer. At any Givin moment anything can happen. Long TD, player breaks an insane amount of tackles giving you The reaction of how the hell did he do that!!! , fumbles, INT, Sacks its very unpredictable play by play. It just feels like soccer is endless running and a struggle just to even get 1 goal. American football had a larger margin of error per play by the players, that's what makes it exciting because again it's just so unpredictable to know what's going to happen every time the ball is snapped. Also I think the preparation it takes to play in the NFL is insane. You being a great athlete isn't quite enough at times. You have to be very smart and literally study your opponents tendencies. You literally have to scout every team in the league and watch what everyone is doing. You can't just sign a player the street and have them ready to start the game day 1. It takes time to put that player into your system.

[@xfirefox_x]

@@JDBass36 What makes you think this is not the same for soccer? 1) The manager imposes a culture and a style of play for the team. Not all players suit the manager's style, as players have their own skillset too, so this is why it is important to find the right players. You may break the transfer record but that player could still flop (e.g. Kepa Arrizabalaga). 2) In a match, every player, including the manager, is important. This is why when a team has its player being red-carded (removal of player from the match), the team always loses. 3) For bigger clubs, they have scouts in almost all continents to find an upcoming wonderkid (e.g. Gabriel Martinelli's transfer from Brazilian side Ituano FC to English side Arsenal FC). In most cases, clubs scout players from teams of the same continent as theirs. 4) As I said in #1, newly-appointed managers need some time to instill club culture and impose a new style of play. Newly-transferred players need some time to adjust to their new team's play. 5) Soccer can be unexpected too. In the 2015-16 season, Leicester City FC unexpectedly won the English Premier League. One of the greatest sporting shocks. Soccer is also called "The Beautiful Game" for a reason.

[@86marcoz]

@@xfirefox_x 1000%

[@EverDeLeon7]

I'm a huge Liga MX and Mexican National team fan, but I would love to see the sport grow more in the United States and get the respect it deserves. If it was as popular as it is in other countries the United States would be a powerhouse nation easily.

[@phoenix5054]

If it becomes truly popular in the US, a North American league might even happen.

[@pineappleonpizza395]

As long as they keep calling the sport soccer they world won't accept them 😂 😂

[@chuyozuna2398]

@@pineappleonpizza395 well we can’t call it “football” because we can’t confuse it with the NFL

[@omarlizarraga9166]

​@@chuyozuna2398Because the corrupt NFL stole the name

[@SyllaBear]

Hope MLS grow, Americans will understand how it feels when people on the other side of the Earth to stay up at night to watching their tournament

[@Slo-ryde]

Quality of MLS is still poor…also, they need to get rid of tie games. It stinks when you see 2 teams play for a draw.

[@davon7100]

@@Slo-ryde MLS isnt gonna grow past of the big 4 unless it does something I know they will never do it though.

[@postgotham]

@@davon7100 mls already surpassed nhl in attendance, revenue, and local participation. Only boomers that grew up with "the big 4" are keeping that term alive.

[@davon7100]

@postgotham Nobdy cares when a MLS team wins the championship. While NHL team wins the stanley cup people the winning city goes crazy. When LA won the MLS championship nobody cared in LA part for like 12 people.

[@Dimite1]

@@davon7100 you are underestimating the power that social media influence has on the youth. For example, the KZbinr IShowSpeed, is Wildly popular with GenZ and Gen Alpha a big part of his brand, as a KZbinr is being a Cristiano Ronaldo, fan and playing football. This is something that brings young people into a sport, and may have never ever watched it. Social media also allows for the youth to learn about English teams and learn the history of soccer, the rules, the players, etc.

[@luciovero9045]

I've watched mls matches lately and the crowd in any field is amazing

[@nias2631]

Thats for sure. They are having a blast!

[@prafullacpandey]

CHECK out Cricket T20 Video , Type AB Devilliers Batting

[@CCRevolutionized]

MLS is definitely a league to watch out for in the coming years. I support my local team Atlanta United and going to games are so much fun

[@omarquintanilla696]

I love Lumen field here in Seattle as a Sounders fan, but i'm jealous of y'all in Atlanta with The Benz Stadium. That place looks MARVELOUS!!!

[@xiv1496]

@@omarquintanilla696 We LAFC got the Banc but its no Benz😔

[@MrTbager1]

I’m in Austin and my significant other wasn’t too into Austin FC. We ended up going to every single home game. We had a trip booked for the Bahamas next year, but canceled it because it is the home opener for the season. It’s definitely growing.

[@omarquintanilla696]

@@xiv1496 I still like BofC. This will be blasphemous of me, but Portlands Providence park to me resembles the most Englished style stadium. You then have some of the newer clubs and the like of like L.A Galaxy and NY redbulls with the more modern day soccer specific stadiums. BC Place stadium looks like a German soccer stadium, I just wish they would open the upper section up more often. I've been there three times and it's always closed, but it looks like there is enough fans to fill it on a given day. I know they did for the Women's WC and it looked awsome.

[@omarquintanilla696]

@@xiv1496 Vancouver whitecaps

[@zenvd04]

Toronto FC also started playing in the league in 2007. With a soccer specific stadium close to downtown, supporters that that were young and urban (as opposed to families), and supporter culture that resembled fandom in Europe, they gave the league a blueprint on how to grow.

[@liamsaucedo2223]

As a baseball fan, I’m happy for soccer’s growth, I love my LA Galaxy, and keeping up with both of these are really fun. Can’t wait to see MLS’ growth in the future

[@pumasgoya]

Liam's? Lol what a name.

[@fleejay806]

GALAXY!!!

[@Haha-bu7bi]

Yeah it's gonna take over your poor baseball wehhh 😭

[@James-cb7nb]

NFL is faster paced? 😂😂 Tell me, how many commercials are there in an NFL vs MLS game?

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

Tell me how much scoring is there in an NFL vs. MLS game?

[@James-cb7nb]

@@vicepresidentmikepence889 well if you look it up, average MLS team scores close to 3 goals a game. So that's 5-6 total. Average NFL score is a little more than three TDs worth, so around 6 tds total. Not far off. And almost every aspect of the NFL is boring and slow and designed to get you to watch commercials. There are ZERO commercials 45 minutes straight in soccer.

[@Thuan-bq5hr]

Football>American rugby knockoff

[@thepebblesexplore83]

There are more “shots on goal” in soccer than touchdown attempts in football. It’s pretty equal on how many “clutch plays” between the two. And the scoring isn’t too far off. Some games end 0-0 but those games still usually have really good moments and it creates really good tension. Plus, I hate that the NFL will add extra breaks in the game just for commercials. Shows you what the priority is. I’m a fan of both, and I’d prefer a world where both are big, for different reasons.

[@Xergecuz]

NFL is super slow, they do a play that lasts 15 seconds and then take 5 minutes to chat and have a juice box before doing another play.

[@TheDouble0NO]

NHL and NASCAR fan here, might attend my first MLS game this week. If not, then watch it alot more. Definitely interested!

[@86marcoz]

That’s great man!

[@oyaml1211]

Don't know where you live but right now MLS is in the play offs.

[@TheDouble0NO]

Y'all can call me a bandwagoner this year but it'd be a Revolution game. Gotta try and fill up Gillette!

[@b3an3er]

Support your local club ⚽️🔥

[@almightyj1629]

Hope you do man its really great

[@bryangarcia-silva270]

This makes me very happy I’m glad soccer is getting more popularity here in the US 🇺🇸 ⚽️❤️

[@Jahn_Pah_Jonz]

It still sukks. 😆

[@bryangarcia-silva270]

@@Jahn_Pah_Jonz Matter fact I agree it’s not the best , and is not par to the European golden standard…. the MLS is doing its own thing and is trying to form a culture where there is other sports that dominate the sport sector …..they have the culture the MLS needs.

[@joules_sw]

@@Jahn_Pah_Jonz it's really fun to play, most of the people worldwide agrees

[@Jahn_Pah_Jonz]

@@joules_sw I agree. Almost all sports are fun to play but not all sports are fun to watch. For example, golf, it is boring but a lot more fun to play with friends. I'll play with a soccer ball but I won't watch it on TV.

[@JohnDought]

@@Jahn_Pah_Jonz every dog can run after a ball

[@alanortiz8676]

In 2019 I made a presentation to my communications class at my community college about this. The expansion of the league and the growth of soccer in the states, it was pretty much a snooze fest. My classmates looked at me funny; watching this makes me proud that I saw the vision pre Covid… shoot for all I know CNBC took my idea lol

[@brandynhenry7107]

No one actually cares, people show up in person to fly rainbow flags and their tv ratings are laughibly bad. All you have to point to it is attendance figures which is 90% a rally support group than soccer fans and ponzi scheme expansion fees. The MLS will be out of business the second it can't expand anymore. Every team would have lost their ass without expansion fees.

[@BananaRama1312]

lmao ppl have been thinking that before u were born

[@alanortiz8676]

@@BananaRama1312 it’s a strong argument now more than ever. Messi coming to the states changed soccer even more. Baseball needed Ohtani to go to a big market team to keep eyes on the sport and from drifting away to soccer.

[@abdeldorado]

Simply put together, the MLS is now growing incrementally and organically but as its said, building rivalries, teams, sense of identity and a fan base takes time, if you look at the demographics also, there is no reason why the MLS cannot become a major soccer/football powerhouse. Most kids in the US are playing soccer/football, but when it comes to making a career, there will be soon a real path for them in the MLS with appealing contracts and conditions, etc. In the meantime for broadcasting, having an OTT service to stream and watch highlights and games plus exclusive contents from a single platform can be as well appealing for the audience and grow the competition and its media revenue, necessary in the sport industry. There are many ideas you can develop in such a "young" but healthy growing league.

[@gordusmaximus4990]

Its actually great to see. There is alot of anti american feeling in Europe right now and making fun of the level the USA plays football. But i have to say, its a good thing that finally USA is joining the club. Things need to happen in a organic way of couse, but the potential is all there, the USA can become a major nation in Soccer/Football, even if its stays only the 3rd sport of the USA. Its good for the game and will change everything. I more then welcome the americans in this. The americans also need to understand though, you can have a good 0-0 game btw.

[@metemoquesi7196]

Football soccer is the most famous sport in the world, and by far, USA needs to give importance if you want to be something, USA is a medium level national team behind countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, France, Spain or England

[@omarquintanilla696]

Truly agreed, when I hear sports updates on the national radios sports stations i'm still dissappintes by ESPN and Fox Sports, that they'll run through American Football, NBA scores news, MLB, NHL, Golf and random breaking news, but rarely announce MLS scores.... We need a relegation system, most if not all of the world has one in place and it creates the tension and fight for survival and revival of clubs. We also need to be able to win the confederation club cups (Concacaf CL and the other tournaments that follow against the other countries pro clubs. Being consistenly runners up is not good enough. Liga MX owns us badly on that front. If we could win some and have MLS representation at the Fifa Club WC, that then puts the MLS on a bigger pedestal.

[@miquelcanosasanteularia1678]

Power house?

[@gothicgolem2947]

@@gordusmaximus4990 it would be interesting if it becomes very popular cause there other popular sports arnt really on a world stage per say apart from the olympics we’re as soccer if they become good at it they could qualify for the World Cups

[@gitgut4977]

The Americans need to see sports less of a commercial activity and more as the core/origin of the local fan culture. (if you have accomplished that, THAN you can earn money :))

[@raylopez99]

Newcastle! LOL. That will never happen in the USA my friend.

[@gitgut4977]

@@raylopez99 "the americans will do the right thing after they tried anything else" :D

[@downsjmmyjones101]

How do you make people care about it?

[@fgsaramago]

@@raylopez99 the idea of companies or even individuals owning sports clubs is pretty weird as a whole

[@ingislakur]

Still need to focus on marketing and how to build um a leage comercially

[@shottatallman3459]

I'm not going to lie, MLS is slowly growing on me, I really do appreciate the growth, now 1 way they can grow the sport is with development of its young talent

[@edwindano]

They are already working on this. They started from scratch with their academies. Thats why you are now seeing many more americans over in Europe. There is a great youtube video about "MLS NEXT" take a look

[@Estellise64]

I noticed how much Soccer has grown in the US compared how it was ten years ago. I live in Washington State and back then, Soccer was something that was only played in schools. Flash forward in 2023, I see Seattle Sounders FC stickers everywhere, a lot of people at my job wore World Cup shirts, and during Christmas time I realized more people were buying the FIFA games more than Madden or NBA 2K games. It's really exploded in popularity recently.

[@PracticeMakesPaper]

I went to a Sounders game in 2011 and I remember how empty the stadium was but it was still alot of passion from the small crowd.. Its crazy how they sell out the stadium now like they are the Seahawks

[@omarquintanilla696]

If we as a country could pull off a Relegation / Promotion system, the MLS would have even more fire, but keep the playoffs since the playoffs are exciting.

[@shukorhadi8215]

The playoffs work in the current system due to the league table being split by geographical region (the U.S. is huge, the league is still growing and yet to reach a sufficient number of teams for a pro-rel system), so it provides a viable competition to decide which club on both conferences comes out tops at the end of the regular season. Once pro-rel are in place, the playoffs would be irrelevant because there exist what's called the country's top-flight division without need for playoffs to decide the winner. Well, maybe playoffs for additional pro-rel spots if needed. Then, MLS Cup could be akin to an additional domestic cup competition for teams within the MLS structure like the League Cup in England or Scotland, while the U.S. Open Cup is the main domestic cup competition (i.e. F.A. Cup/DFB Pokal) that is open to all clubs in the country.

[@abrahamrodriguezpineda1848]

@@shukorhadi8215 ehhh playoffs wouldn’t be irrelevant once pro / reg gets introduced, it works great in Mexico in LA Liga

[@BlueIvory4]

@@shukorhadi8215 as a Brit & premier league fan, I think the MLS should keep playoffs but should also have regional relegation also

[@truth884]

@@BlueIvory4 that’s an interesting angle. It adds the element of promotion/relegation(p/r) and keeps the tournament element. A thought; wouldn’t it be easier and more entertaining to be like the Bundesliga and have playoffs for p/r? In my opinion that puts more emphasis on winning the league via the points system and increases the excitement for p/r. As an American I got sucked into watching the premiere league because of p/r. To be honest it’s far more dramatic and addictive.

[@WWE2KUNIVERSEELITE]

relegation system will be bad for the mls. because money.

[@pictureofmyjunk2279]

Simple thing missing is a regular season that is meaningful. MLS playoff picture too big. On bright side expansion teams covering nation is great. Overtaking MLB is a lofty goal, but lofty goals keep a business from becoming stagnant and obsolete.

[@novaldigunturputra495]

MLB is slowly dying anyway, it's not really that unrealistic to have that target tbh

[@maximusprimus827]

I just started getting into soccer a few years ago. It started with the USMNT, and then I started following the US players at their clubs and started watching the English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and also the MLS here in the states. The game itself is fun to watch, but Im also very fascinated by many aspects of the sport such as relegation, inter league play, tournaments, etc. The sport really is incredible imo.

[@timprex317]

Start playing it. It so beautiful when you assist for a goal or even score a nice goal by yourself and everybody on the pitch goes: wooooo maestroooooooo

[@me56ize]

@@timprex317 fr, even just kicking the ball or dribbling is so fun man

[@MA-ck4wu]

Have you started watching Champions League soccer as well? IMO that's what makes soccer unique compared to American sports: the best/elite clubs from different nations playing against each other on the highest stage.

[@maximusprimus827]

@@MA-ck4wu I have, and I agree the Champions league is the best part of European football.

[@joblaaa]

Wanted to say that MLS isn’t a “minor league” as the analyst says earlier in the video (and shouldn’t be compared to one in 2021) - it doesn’t have the talent of the major European leagues (EPL, Bundesliga, La Liga) but it’s breaking the top 10/15 globally, which is very significant. As teams continue to produce academy players to sell to European teams we should see competition improve even more. Teams are also scouting younger talent in other leagues in South America - giving them a platform to Europe. We should see more of that talent funnel through MLS going forward.

[@chaopauludo7821]

Exatamente, estão fudendo com esses assédios o futebol brasileiro, já basta, europa, China, os arabes agora tem EUA

[@lorenzodeagostini8941]

The MLS is not as competitive and talented as most major leagues in Europe and South America, but the U.S has more resources and structure, and if you keep the momentum it will in the next 10 years become one of the main leagues in the world.

[@lorenzodeagostini8941]

@@chaopauludo7821 Se não criarmos uma liga organizada com direitos de televisão melhores e mais estruturado como nos EUA ficaremos para trás mesmo

[@chaopauludo7821]

@@lorenzodeagostini8941 Sim amigo de fact, porém a moeda, economia e qualidade de vida jogam contra nós, é quase que selado o nosso destino, porém nada adianta chorar as pitangas

[@a.awm4]

The best MLS teams would really struggle in the third division of English football. I would honestly say that's kinda minor league.

[@syedbilalnafees2002]

It still surprises me how unpopular (relatively speaking) football/ soccer is in the states. Here in the UK or anywhere in Europe for tgar matter the local club is a part of your very identity as a person

[@elmemoshu4152]

Because the US grew wanting to be separate from it's European friends they wanted to stand out so things like basketball and American football are the biggest things here.

[@trojanmen21]

It’s because we have more than one sport. We have Basketball, American Football, Baseball.

[@Pontiakos]

There is no promotion/relegation system my local club is permanently stuck in division 3. There is no impetus to fanatically follow my local team.

[@M1911jln]

Soccer is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

[@dhruvpatel4948]

@@M1911jln then you haven’t watched cricket. Especially test match cricket 🤣

[@expatbiker6598]

Forget getting football players from abroad. Every MLS team needs to have grassroots talent scouting and training academies for under 16 year old boys and girls.

[@martyc909]

Though many young talents as starting to get taken by European teams. Look for Pepi to play in a European league in the next 2-3 years. He’s only 18.

[@LilRedRasta]

They already do bro

[@nicholashrtntt]

True! But if the young talent in the US know they'll hit a salary cap or have to go abroad to earn more and have no stars to look up to, the MLS will always remain a talent feeder competition for big European leagues ...

[@MauriceDel-Taco]

They do

[@LilRedRasta]

@@nicholashrtntt were okay with that

[@luanchanquini6787]

Seeing North America's football leagues growing makes me dream for that one day can have a continental competition between all Americas, merging teams from Libertadores and Concacaf Champions League. I believe that such league would have a lot of potential to be huge in terms of sports, competition and revenues like UEFA Champions League. Can you imagine teams from USA, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and other countries fightting each other to win the trophy? That could be a big tornament. It's make no sense to me a whole continent having more than 3 "continental" competitions separated by regions. BTW, i miss the old times when mexican teams used to compete in Copa Libertadores.

[@isabelsolis6941]

I am from Costa Rica. I began watching MLS matches in 2016 and I have to be honest. I am scared of how far this league can go. It's been 6 years and even in that short period of time I've seen important growth. Fútbol in the US might me going places in 10 or less years. It would be very good to have promotion/relegation. (PD: sorry if my English writing is bad)

[@theticoboy]

I agree. I’m so excited for the potential. I hope MLS continues to make smart business decisions. Pura vida!

[@Haha-bu7bi]

No.

[@BananaRama1312]

"im scared" 🤡🤡

[@michaeladam5022]

Invest in local high and elementary school soccer programs to get kids interested in football ⚽️! That way you actually get good local talent!

[@KenTheMan407]

It about the talent. We need better domestic talent.

[@whosay1043]

MLS continues to expand their player development programs. Still a long way to go to get away from the pay to play model that currently exists in the US.

[@jmal]

Killing the pay-to-play system would be a good start. There are loads of potential talent hiding in underserved communities like the inner cities.

[@Londronable]

Being from Belgium when I stepped outside for the breaks in school at ages 6-12 I stepped on a mini-football field with small goals. Used during the 2 short breaks we had every day. 30 yards to my right behin a row of trees we had a complete football field for the 90 minute lunch break. Between ages of 13 to 18 I left school into a park in the center of a big city which had 2 half sized football fields which was weather permitted always used during lunch breaks. That's the sort of thing that takes time. Break means play football. Come home means play football on the street with the goals being the trunk of 2 trees.

[@kmr8836]

As a soccer supporter for 40+ years, thanks for covering this, CNBC. Minor tip (but noticed by people who follow the league): One does not refer to "the MLS"; it's just "MLS," just like one would not say "THE Major League Baseball." It's just "MLB."

[@kmr8836]

@@procrastinatingpuma Don't care. My point stands (and is correct). It is not "the MLS"...unless you are trying to show you know little about the sport.

[@arthurgranda0]

Football in america just needs more heart, build tradition. Thats more important than game quality etc

[@billnye3692]

The passion and heart is there it just need to spread to more people

[@larrybuchannan186]

Soccer simply doesn't resonate with the majority of the population It is a relatively minor sport compared to Football, Basketball and Baseball May be in the future it will catch up, but I don't see anything on the horizon

[@davebenhart4611]

Atlanta doesn't have a soccer specific stadium. It's very much an NFL stadium that was designed to hold a soccer field too. But anyone wondering who is the main team in the Atlanta stadium only needs to look at the logo on the sides of the seats. And it's excellent that Atlanta can regularly fill 50,000 seats in that stadium. That's a great thing for the league.

[@widitruth]

MLS is a competitive league, better quality every year, fun to watch. Cheers from Jakarta

[@RogerCh888]

Short games, less commercials, fun to watch once you know what's going on.

[@Londronable]

I mean, my mother doesn't follow football here in Belgium but she's incredibly loud when the national team is playing. She'll be watching every single one of their games. Qualifiers included. The idea of a national team is imo the best lure for more casual fans in the US.

[@skater17894]

Something this new generation of players need to understand is that not everyone can have the technicality of Messi or ronaldo. Yes, its possible but the reality is not everyone can do those fancy skills. But what everyone can do is master the basics and work together as a team! There is no room for ego's in this sport, which seems to be extremely rampant in soccer when it comes to showing off. The only time a player should be showing off is when they score and actually make a difference for the team.

[@mosijahi3096]

Try watching women’s sports if team play is important to you. That’s not to say ever male sports team doesn’t play team ball . Generally 🗣 women’s sports has more of team play.

[@skater17894]

@@mosijahi3096 team play should be important for every league. Doesnt matter if it’s men’s or women’s 🤦‍♂️

[@tpsam]

@@skater17894 Iceland Greece in Portugal Football more than any other sport evens the playing field and makes it easier for the underdog to thrive Because despite individual skills makes the difference most of the time The core of the game will always be who runs with most stamina have the best organisation and control of the midfield stay focused the longest Win most of the time That's why Germany dominates football despite really not producing many football geniuses German people can be organised focused and they're on avarage very physical Historically they're great at producing midfielders Historically they're always top contenders in every tournament

[@skater17894]

@@tpsam that’s what I love to see! Teams that have players that can last 90 minutes! Regardless if they are on the bench or not. I think we can all agree, flashy players are necessary for the game especially with players like Mo Salah who is deadly in the penalty box! Me as an avid indoor futbol player. I always focus on finding players that I know are physical, have great stamina and know when to pass the ball ⚽️ I have no patience for players who only care about themselves and their own stats

[@arturfilleul3997]

"There is no room for ego" Cristiano Ronaldo: 🤡

[@jackmanders7077]

If you’ve been watching the MLS since it’s inception you know the league is in very good hands . The 3 “foreign” player rule where you can go over the salary cap was brilliant , the original NASL was a money pit.. slow and steady growth is the model of any business and that’s what it is

[@j.p.9423]

I agree. I am based in Europe and I'm really impressed with the MLS games. I watch and enjoy the games and level of football. It's not top top (e.g. Chelsea or Bayern), but it is certainly closing the gap. They should organize a serious competition between the top US and European teams. That would be interesting

[@andrearazeto4655]

Don't just tell people what they want to hear. The average squad value in the EFL, UK's 2nd-tier league, is higher than in the MLS (collectively worth 1.1b vs 1.01b of the MLS; according to Transfermarkt). The best MLS clubs would barely make the relegation zone in the EPL, LaLiga, Serie A or Bundesliga. They shouldn't organize a competition between top US and Europe's teams for the same reason you wouldn't care having a tournament featuring Chelsea Vs Bournemouth or Bayern Munich vs Nottingham Forest... The mismatch is too large. Now, is this gap gonna last forever? Hopefully not, MLS can def improve players, coaches and tactics in the medium term. But as of now, let's be real.

[@j.p.9423]

@@andrearazeto4655 Cut out the European snobbery and watch the quality of the MLS games. The UK's second division is what we call 'panic football' ('paniek voetbal') in the Netherlands. It is plain awful. Remember the top teams in the UK are 'powered' by foreigners (see Chelsea and Ma City) and the second division teams are not.

[@ramone1954]

If they could win a CONCACAF Champions League, then maybe they could qualify to a FIFA Club World Cup but the Mexican league still dominates the region.

[@coppilcus]

One thing is for sure: the USA’s advertisers are extremely good. The MLS cannot beat Mexican teams and they believe their are going to compete in the near future with the PL teams’ playing level. They’re delusional...

[@joaophilippe]

The way forward to North American soccer is competing against South American clubs in a All-America competition. It is a marriage made in heaven: South America brings the technical skills and tradition of its clubs and North America brings the cash. Mexico and United States, both at club and national team levels, need better competition than only each other, and the obvious way to accomplish them is for their clubs and national teams to play against the best South American sides.

[@chioptnstdr3448]

This will require little to no effort on the part of international soccer organizations 😅. Baseball is killing itself without the help of others

[@cdvideodump]

I love both, but you have a point lol

[@odynith9356]

For real

[@TheAeasy19]

Baseball is so hard to watch in the US. You need like a thousand subscription services and a VPN. It's ridiculous.

[@cdvideodump]

@@TheAeasy19 That's certainly not helping baseball's popularity

[@TomCook1993]

How so?

[@langki05]

I'm Indian but I would love MLS to be one of the best leagues in the world 🌎 ❤

[@-_-DatDude]

That will be a tall order given the negative stigma of the MLS. Off topic, do you play/watch Kabaddi?

[@langki05]

@@-_-DatDude yeah I did play with friends when we were kids just not professionally haha

[@-_-DatDude]

@@langki05 Awesome. I hope you didn't take offence to the question. When you said you were Indian, I had to ask you as Kabaddi looks a very interesting and tactical sport for how "simple" it is in theory. It is a shame that Kabaddi never went mainstream.

[@langki05]

@@-_-DatDude in recent years India have started a competitive league and its doing quite well in India but don't know if it's televised all over the world.

[@langki05]

Btw is that a chelsea lion symbol on your pfp?

[@lopezjosejl60]

I've always been a soccer fan since I was a kid now I'm 30 years old and the growth of soccer and MLS doesn't surprise me soccer is fast pace and just a fun sport to either watch or play

[@edwardkelly3280]

MLS have a problem compared to other major sports leagues in America.They have to compete against other leagues(Liga MX and EPL) in their own sport for popularity.

[@dixonhill1108]

It's a relatively small issue. They have a better time zone to get latin American fans. They have a larger national population. MLS is a league that'll dominate a billion people's soccer interests. Leagues in Europe are splitting a pie too many times. MLS would be competing more directly against a european super league than it would the national leagues. MLS is not far off from stealing a lot of european talent. They've quietly amassed a league structure than could house all of the top athletes. People are far too focused on field talent. When it's the league structure that needs more attention. The European leagues are too top heavy, they can't survive something like a salary cap. MLS has succeeded with 2nd tier talent, when they go for top tear expect an explosion in popularity.

[@genito1]

@edward Kelly Very good point. I am a big soccer fan but I don't wake up every weekend to watch mls. Instead I look for games in the big European leagues.

[@ReubenSempleJones]

@@dixonhill1108 This is American ignorance right right here. Just because the League set ups work in your national sports doesn't mean it'll work with football. For starters no sane footballer would ever go to the MLS your League is light years away from poaching anywhere remotely close to top talent. Closest you'll get are players past their prime but no footballer will ever leave the Competitions they grow up watching to join a much lower quality League. Most your sides are around the Quality of Championship sides (English 2nd tier) some even lower. Unless MLS clubs start offering world class players massive wages where you'll maybe get a very small amount of players joining it. For example a few years ago the Chinese Super League clubs started offering all these world class players ridiculous wages to join their clubs virtually all of them rejected them apart from an extremely small minority. Football Leagues always have been top heavy and that's what makes the sport great. In a League of equals you won't get many shock wins. That's partly the reason why the fans didn't want the proposed European Super League. Stories such as Leicester winning the League in 2016. If the MLS wants to become a better League you'll need to promotion and relegation with different tiers of football leagues like any other normal footballing nation and scrap League play offs and you'll need to change the calendar to align your Leagues with the other big Leagues in Europe. That being said I think it'll be very difficult no matter how well the League is run partly because your clubs are not located in Europe therefore you can't play in the Champions League. Also due to the fact your clubs have no real history or culture like the top European clubs. There is no reason why any top player would join the MLS unless they want to live in the US and sacrifice their career. Not to add the US has absolutely no footballing culture or history which will take a very long time to build up. I think you need to realise there is a reason why American sports aren't very popular globally as compared to other sports.

[@JcLazy1]

@@ReubenSempleJones basketball is world wide. Come on now.

[@ReubenSempleJones]

@@JcLazy1 Light years behind Football in popularity

[@PB-ox4mm]

I’ve watched an average of 2 games per week of MLS for the past two seasons before that I only ever watched mens / women’s World Cup I’ve enjoyed becoming more a soccer fan then NFL NBA . Never owned a NFL or NBA jersey but I sure as hell bought a MLS jersey ..

[@brandonesquivias5165]

That’s good man , it’s really an eye opener one you realize how the game is played and just how difficult it is. The build up to the goals are electric and exciting, it just sucks that the lack of goal each game are what make people think soccer is boring. If you want to see different levels of competition of soccer watch premier league highlights on KZbin.

[@bennelson7958]

Almost every person I take to a Sporting KC game for the first time really enjoys it and can begin to understand the allure of it. I think the MLS will continue to grow and reach the younger generations.

[@edercortes1960]

I remember In 2018 when my friend told me about NYCFC playing at Yankee stadium and how the league was rising. Let’s just say one game, one game alone did it for me and I became season ticket holder (still current) within a week …love the team. The atmosphere , the die hard passionate fans …love it all. It was one thing watching MLS as a kid during the early 2000s but to see it in person is something I recommend even if it’s a one time deal

[@kentgrady9226]

At the moment, the quality of MLS relative to the traditional power leagues is roughly analogous to the quality of Japanese baseball, Chinese basketball, or Russian hockey relative to MLB, NBA, or NHL. The latter are clearly superior, but that doesn't mean the former are bad. I am 51 years old and a life-long Soccer fan. I was skeptical of MLS for years, but now I'm all in. They have proven to me that they can build and retain supporter bases, engage communities, and field an attractive product. It is only a matter of time. One day soon, MLS will start attracting and signing truly world class players in their prime. When that happens, we will know we have made it.

[@ggsimmonds1]

I think in order for the MLS to rise to that level we will need more of our top athletes to choose to play soccer over American football and basketball. That will be difficult due to the corruption (for lack of a better term) in our amateur sports for those two. There's just too much money involved in collegiate football and basketball.

[@James-op3vx]

"Chinese Basketball"? Aside from America, basketball's second powerhouse is Europe, with Euroleague second strongest behind the NBA.

[@James-op3vx]

Hockey is definitely KHL

[@kentgrady9226]

@@James-op3vx The minutiae aren't the salient point.

[@SJPace1776]

Following the league for twenty years it is all about slow steady growth. The stadiums and then academies are all about building base for sustainability. Everything has improved. So back and watch matches from 2001 and it really is night and day. I think we're a ways off competing with big four of US/CA leagues, but the gap has closed. I highly suggest any one take in a live local match, I'm a season ticket holder for Cincinnati and despite us being awful the experience is special among our professional sporting landscape.

[@carlybishop6160]

They didn't mention the Academies. They are so fundamental and really seen in the UK by the revamp in the 2011 and its effects. With everything else sports wise coming through the High School/ College set up, rather than specifically made Academies at a sports club, does this work in the US like it does in Europe, seeing how it would buck the trend.

[@adhynugroho9424]

With KZbin and European leagues being broadcasted more and more in the US (and of course a handful of high profile stars playing the US), the league has tried really hard to leverage and translate that into growth.

[@ajdhowk4447]

I've been enjoying European football, now it's time to add more football entertainment, I'm starting to follow MLS too right now, still trying to find a team that I'll support, really hope football will be no 1 sport in USA

[@krobb93]

The World Cup in 2026 is when your gonna see a major shift in popularity for MLS. A lot of top players and Coaches around the world will start to look at NA for work.

[@ryansmith1044]

Exactly. The 1994 World Cup gave us MLS, and the 2026 World Cup should make even more popular, especially since we're shaping up to make a deep run

[@lemagnifique1573]

It took a time for football/soccer to be the king of sports in the USA. First step is USMNT needs to winning more major international trophy like CONCACAF Gold Cup, Nations League, or even FIFA World Cup, or any MLS teams winning CONCACAF Champions League and then FIFA Club World Cup just to get more popularity and attentions from international audiences.

[@almightyj1629]

They are on a good track right now but i agree

[@cakexpress6235]

Club World Cup is a pretty unmeaningful competition with low viewing numbers and the us probably won’t win the World Cup, but I agree with you!

[@cjvaye99]

the only time I watch soccer is the world cup I remember that game in 2014 I forget what country but the u.s were major underdogs and they actually were in it until the end.

[@larrybuchannan186]

It is still nowhere near as popular as American football or Basketball

[@John-zp3lf]

Also, the number of soccer specific stadiums are growing which is a major push for growth for MLS and it is here to stay

[@prafullacpandey]

Wait Cricket is Coming in usa in a big way

[@adhwaith1801]

@@prafullacpandey cricket won't do good in america....no natives even know what's a cricket World Cup...it won't be even big as volleyball in USA

[@graffbussiere4831]

At this point I think the designated player rule needs to be expanded or done away with most teams can afford more then 3 dp players like Atlanta and LA having to trade or let go of star players because they can’t have more then 3

[@rafaelramirez6585]

The difference between the MLS and the other main professional sports in the US, is its potential for expansion/development. All other sports are well established and almost maxed out for any more growth. A top team from MLB, NFL or NHL, after winning everything on its tournament can only have a domestic tournament for competition but that's pretty much the scope of it's dominance. No international leagues to compete with because there are no other such leagues. Soccer in the other hand, will always have other leagues with a solid fan base and historic records set up from long ago as a main goal for MLS to compete for. It looks like a long shot but that's exactly what motivates true competition, the fact that Soccer in the US has a lot of room for improvement is what in the end will create that ever increasing level of competition.

[@mecr19]

As far as tv they need to make it more accessible. For example I watch liga mx and I know that friday saturday and sunday are the day the games are being played and I know exactly which channel either univision foxsports or telemundo depending on the team. Also certain teams you know the time they always play at home. The problem with mls you don now any of this and americans always want to push for their tv package deals just like they did with the champions league which as someone who is new to the mls makes it less appealing.

[@oyaml1211]

This, exactly this! Liga MX is easy to follow. You know games are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In MLS there are games on the weekends, Tuesday, sometimes Wednesdays or Mondays. MLS will be much easier to follow if they just have the games on Friday-Sunday.

[@csmlyly5736]

Honestly as long as the sport remains tied down to television it will never get in front of the people interested in watching it. Most young people aren’t going to go buy antiquated televisions and cable boxes just to watch a neat game. Make the sport accessible. TV is a dead technology.

[@soperez1]

This is it, Thank You! Put more game on NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC Not behind a paywall Not on cable Bring the beautiful game to the entire nation. We can do this for Collegiate sports, in which student athletes are exploited by NCAA, why cant we do it for our professional soccer league

[@rbish907]

This is good to see, thank you for this feature.

[@omarnuneznavy]

I would actually watch MLS over baseball now. Hope they succeed so we can grow as a nation with the soccer/futball talent.

[@S1LVAW0LF]

Rn, the competition for mls is liga mx and brazil serie a. If the size and financial aspects help it grow the way it should, then maybe it can get to just under the BIG 5 level. If they can continue to attract players from latin america with the enticement of a stepping stone + more $$$, then itll lead to a better talent pool, which will lead to more viewers, and then obviously, increased popularity. Its inspiring to see how much MLS has grown, and will continue to grow.

[@almightyj1629]

People still gotta understand that the MLS IS ONLY 26 years old!! LET THE LEAGUE GROW DONT COMPARE IT TO EUROPEAN SOCCER LEAGUES ITS NOT FAIR!! In all honesty happy that soccer is growing in the US here in Atlanta our MLS team is good and love the bonds you create nothing like i have experienced with Falcons,Braves,Hawks games ect.

[@qbndorian]

Do love how MLS has invested in their academies to pump out good American players

[@jasonalexmcwhirter8774]

Great piece CNBC!! There is one thing you missed discussing. Within those media deals, a much larger chunk of the viewership comes from online and not the major TV networks. Yeah it would be nice to have a major network champion showing our stories, but the main group of viewers under the age of 40 have mostly disconnected from cable now. I don't think that matters as much for MLS as it has for the other sports since the 1950's.

[@904hattrick8]

2026 is going to wake so many Americans up when they see tourists from all over the world in their home cities breaking their bank just to travel there and watch a game.

[@QPRTokyo]

I have watched football ⚽️ for over 55 years and can honestly say that building proper football ⚽️ stadiums is extremely important. I hope New York City FC can get to play at a proper football ⚽️ ground soon. Better camera work and commentary would not go a miss. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

It's called soccer

[@crazysanta6641]

@@vicepresidentmikepence889 it’s both

[@raphaelostrowski6336]

Football

[@drillingig2368]

@@vicepresidentmikepence889 dislike

[@carlybishop6160]

Yes, the commentary is a big one. More than we give credit to. Imagine watching football/soccer in the UK without our commentators, the post-match comments and the likes of 'Match of the Day'. It all feeds into the popularity as much as the games themselves. Perhaps because this is what helps spark the conversations people with have with their family, friends and some times complete strangers in the pub. And it helps educate those who are new and feeling a bit lost. But I saw some American commentary and it was so... well, flat, compared to the UK. I know our commentators are different, watch stuff on the FIFA channel, for instance, people abroad often comment on their funny and witty remarks.

[@cx34]

One thing that would help is to stop rebranding teams in an attempt to seem more European and whatnot. Look at what happened in Montreal, they massacred that franchise. Columbus almost went down that same path, but unlike Montreal, their owners actually listened to the fans and understood that the name was a core part of the team’s identity. I wish Montreal would understand this and revert back to the Impact. You’re trying to build a soccer culture in the United States and Canada, stop destroying it with these senseless rebrands.

[@danielhuynh9368]

Absolutely agreed. The American names give the respective team and the league itself a unique flavor. In 2006, MLS needed European names because it needed people to take it seriously. The strategy has now lost its flavor. It was only natural this was gonna happen. Let's re-embrace the American culture a little bit. Still want pro/rel though. The Europeans are correct there but that's another time.

[@cx34]

@@danielhuynh9368 I’m sure Americans would love to see the same teams dominate and be in contention for MLS Cup every single year. What was it, Bayern’s tenth straight season winning the Bundesliga? Unlike MLS, European leagues are not competitive. The only one that may be able to make a claim is UEFA Champions League, but that still isn’t saying much about the overall competitiveness of European soccer. If we were to do pro/rel, we would NEED to keep playoffs and more importantly, a salary cap.

[@dixonhill1108]

Montreal's people speak french so your comparison holds no water. CF Montreal isn't to sound more European, it's to sound like the languages fans actually speak. Having an english name in a french speaking city is just bizarre. It never made any sense.

[@dixonhill1108]

@@cx34 Yeah European soccer is so flawed it's funny that people aren't seeing the appeal of MLS. A league where every team is competitive. European fans obsess over UEFA/World Cup/ProRel, because the leagues themselves are unequal and lame. Actually winning a league title doesn't even rate as that being interesting.

[@cx34]

@@dixonhill1108 As to your point about Montreal, that doesn’t matter (although it makes sense), what does is that the fans resonated with “Impact” and they want it back. Meanwhile, the owners don’t care, basically telling them to shut up and stomach the rebrand, which won’t happen. In response to your second point, I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@hugoporras86]

I watch mainly the la liga, and the premier league. But lately the new Lafc team has me rooting for them. I associate myself to the fan base and energy the team has. Sure the game isn't top football but the games are exciting and fun to watch. Looking forward to the future as I am slowly becoming a huge fan

[@axxessmundi]

MLS will be the top flight league of the Americas. It will eventually debunk the Brazilian League which is the best league of the Americas at the current moment. It would be awesome to see an MLS vs CBF All Star Game.

[@ericktellez7632]

Liga MX?

[@axxessmundi]

@@ericktellez7632 The Brazilian League is by far superior to Liga Mx in any era. Mexico has yet to produce a high caliber world talent as Brazil does perpetually.

[@viniciusmartucci7599]

Its about damn time. Hope to see the champion of north America vs the champion of South america to decide who rules the continent. Would be a good start for a future where we can have a league where all America is involved.

[@ericktellez7632]

??? it has happened many times, Mexico losses a lot against Brazil and Argentina. in the Americas: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico. in that order.

[@lanjian45]

I hope MLS could have promotion and delegation system, so many games in the 2nd half of the season will be much more exciting

[@rasaecnai]

They dont have that, but they have playoffs instead. I think that is a better format than relegation system because at least middle table team who are in the playoffs can have something to look forward too. Imagine if we combine playoffs and delegation! That would certainly interesting. But I dnt think there are enough teams in the US to have a 2nd division mls yet. NBA do have a G-league where they develop players.

[@CMJames]

*relegation

[@rayonensb]

@@rasaecnai playoffs in football sucks lol Relegation is better

[@JcLazy1]

@@rasaecnai real soccer fans watch European games so they are used to the old system. Don’t Americanize soccer it’s not going to work.

[@brentdavis555]

@@rayonensb I mean champions league knockout stages are literally two legged playoffs though.

[@StuckInProgrammers]

The argument that Americans would like soccer more if it was a higher scoring game always upsets me. It’s BECAUSE it’s a lower scoring game that I find it so exciting. The feeling of joy and adrenaline that happens when your team scores a goal has no real equivalent in other US sports. When teams are constantly scoring it doesn’t mean as much. Add in the incessant commercials, & I just can’t watch other pro sports here in the US.

[@michaeldrabenstott9756]

The passion and fan experience will grow organically as teams build a generational fan base and legacy based on success on the field. My son and I were big Philly.Union fans going into this season and even larger ones afterward.

[@Kyle_Lurz]

Soccer is HUGE in Mexico and Europe it was only a matter of time before the same thing happened here.

[@fourthdeconstruction]

in 70.s and 80's there was exactly the same argument. What happened then?

[@j_frst2858]

@@fourthdeconstruction the us didn’t have a domestic league at that time. MLS wasn’t created till the late 90’s

[@fourthdeconstruction]

@@j_frst2858 MLS wasn't around but there was a pro league where Pele played and other high players and it disappeared

[@j_frst2858]

@@fourthdeconstruction forgot about that maybe things will change, now that there’s a league that won’t fold so quickly like that one

[@carfreeneoliberalgeorgisty5102]

It's huge around the world. All across central and south America as well as Asia (mostly, though cricket is the most popular sport in India). The US and Canada is an anomaly when it comes to sports.

[@BabsW]

The MLS has a bigger problem than the MLB when it comes to viewership- the Premier League and La Liga MX will always be more popular due to the quality, history, and/or culture.

[@fvidal007]

Yes but when Americans get into a sport, they can make it big. Just look at NFL, US is basically the only country that has a league and look how much viewership it has. You dont think they can do the same for MLS if they really get behind soccer in this country? Specially after 2026 when the world cup is coming to this country.

[@hisnameisbass6405]

@@fvidal007 i agree i see in a few years MLS stadiums looking like PL stadiums and fans all sharing the same passion and filling those stadiums.

[@sirokat]

You would be surprised how terribly awful Baseball has been falling off here in the states. Some teams cant even fill their stadiums to 50% capacity while MLS has had a significant increase in attendance over the past decade. The Prem/Liga MX will forever be more popular outside of the states, but if MLS keeps doing things to help the sport grow in the states, I have no doubts football will overtake baseball in popularity here. (Especially with the position baseball is in. There might not even be a season next year.)

[@fvidal007]

The advantage of MLS is that culturally US citizens have that mentality to always want to be the best at whatever they set their minds. Just look at the Olympics, US is aways trying to be the country with most medals and also the most gold metals. If MLS is backed by most of the country, it can become a top league.

[@almightyj1629]

True its going to take time to make MLS grow REMEMBER MLS IS ONLY 26 years old

[@chrismachado4065]

So this comment might be relatively long but I was 17 when I got into MLS and I am 19 now about to be 20 where I am located my favorite team is the New York Red Bulls The passion that American fans show for their teams is almost unmatched in any other league that I’ve seen. Yes, we know that this league is still up-and-coming and we know that the skill level isn’t anything like the Premier league or La Liga we get that, we understand that, but we still love it because MLS is ours and it’s home your club feels like your family. I’ve been to a bunch of other sporting events were the people sitting around you are just there but going to Red Bull Arena, yelling chants other people around me join in and we embrace each other whether it’s a high five or even a hug when we score to a complete stranger and I love that! I hope everything in this video becomes true and that MLS pulls in an even bigger audience than before each and every season because it deserves that attention it deserves every stadium across this country to be sold out on a regular basis and I hope that MLS becomes one of the biggest leagues in the world for entertainment and for the sport of soccer I hope Americans get drawn in because yes a lot of people say soccer is slow but you have to give it a chance and look at the amazing skill that these homegrown and international players provide. We know that soccer is not everyone’s favorite and it’s not the best skill in the world but it gets better each and every season! Please give it a chance and watch ur home club or whoever you choose to support, MLS is an amazing league everything from the players, to the fans lighting off smoke bombs in the stands during goals, this is our soccer!

[@BananaRama1312]

imagine thinking you could even compare yourself to the bundesliga passion wise

[@SynergyFootball]

This is an excellent video. From a person who’s own channel has a focus on soccer stories, I’m really impressed

[@tonytocanova]

I definitely prefer an MLS game over baseball.

[@VILLEGAS76able]

I was always a baseball fan but after following soccer for a couple years, way more exciting than baseball!

[@Tu_Padre31]

It can be, soccer has plenty of snoozers. Baseballs biggest problem is no game clock and an extremely long season. Unfortunately, to shorten the season would mean to void all stats over the leagues near 150 years in existence

[@VILLEGAS76able]

@@Tu_Padre31 Yes, I totally agree on the long season part, shorten it by half!

[@jordanjohnson9866]

@@Tu_Padre31 Not all stats. /

[@Tu_Padre31]

@@jordanjohnson9866 unfortunately, yes, all stats. Any shortening of the season would mean any season stats in any category prior to the shortening would never be broken. Along with ensuring that there could be no comparison to past and present players.

[@adhwaith1801]

@@Tu_Padre31 well, even Sunday leagues are so fun in soccer...that's what makes it special

[@DeiranB]

Im from europe, i used to see how soccer was played in the us, it also wasn't that popular.. but the steps the mls have taken is insane the last couple of years, the level at which the game gets played has skyrocketed compared to how it used to be

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

All I know is that Americans will freakin' love this sport. The energy, the flow, the pace, the suddenness and excitement. The people that don't love it yet, probably just haven't watched enough yet. 2026 is going to be a real eye opener for many. -Matt Weiss *It must be nice to be a delusional Eurosnob if you think MLS is taking over with their SCORELESS ties!*

[@user-eq7kg3bm9n]

yeah i bet you watch to many commercials instead of fckin game

[@NaProbablyNot]

MLS fan for 20 years. To me it’s the most competitive league in the world. La Liga for example, you basically know which 1 of 2 teams is going to win almost every year. In MLS the competition is year round. MLS needs a national TV/streaming deal. As a MLS fan it’s hard to catch games since most clubs have local TV deals.

[@user-hk1iy9rg4f]

Do u mean Real, Barca and atletica Madrid and Sevilla?

[@thanos3433]

20 years and you still don’t know 💩 about football

[@nicholashrtntt]

With the salary cap in place, the quality of play will never be good enough to entice people to come. First you make it good, then the fans come. La Liga is less competitive but it's quality is TOP!

[@NiteEy3]

@@user-hk1iy9rg4f look at the last 15 years all you see is barca vs real Madrid for the too 1 and 2 spot

[@DizzyMakavelli]

Want to see competition look at Latin American leagues.

[@Agtsmirnoff]

The most exciting aspect of MLS is speculating which MLS players will get a transfer to top European leagues lol

[@hisnameisbass6405]

be careful i said this comment on a different video and a bunch of european football fanboys got angry 😂

[@CMJames]

Why is that exciting though? Losing all the ‘best’ players to European leagues, what kind of quality will be left?

[@almightyj1629]

@@CMJames no that’s good more eyes on the MLS from Europe it just shows that there is Soccer talents in The US and Canada

[@raphaelostrowski6336]

@@CMJames Thats actually amazing for the league. If European clubs keep buying mls players, the league will get more popular. The more they buy, the more it gives fresh players opportunities to develop and play

[@DizzyMakavelli]

@@almightyj1629 C'mon man. USA .. Y'all buying the third right wing from my club, the dude don't even sit on the bench.

[@TB-gp7kx]

I don't dislike soccer; however, when a team is down 2 goals with, say, 30 or 40 minutes left, it just feels like they are out of it. It's just not the same as the other major American sports, where momentum can shift at any time, and it feels like anything can happen at any given moment.

[@Gnofg]

I don't care what everyone says on this comment section. Soccer is boring with much more standing around than they think. People on either end of the field stand around all the time. There is very little chance of coming back(like you said) and the best example of why soccer sucks is they have this ludicrous way of ending a game. Kickoffs are an insult to anybody who has ever played sports. To me it is a flaw in the design of the game.

[@asamanthinketh1937]

@@Gnofg an average premier league player runs 11km. The average for american football is 2km. And game time in american football is like 3 hours which is double. It is not even a comparison…. In soccer there is a saying that 2:0 is the most dangerous result as you can lose the advantage in no time.

[@ellogovna5407]

@@Gnofg you clearly don’t watch football or “soccer” like Americans call it. There is a reason why baseball and American football are only watched by Americans and the whole world watches football.

[@Gnofg]

@@asamanthinketh1937 I've watched enough that I see what happens. The midfielders run alot. The strikers and the defender's run way less. It's a function of the position. That being said the worst part of soccer is how they end a game. Having a kickoff only shows that there is a flaw in the game. There is not another game that doesn't end a game playing the game. The way soccer ends games are an abomination. I don't care if people say "Oh the players will get so tired that they can't play" Tough win the game playing the game.

[@asamanthinketh1937]

@@Gnofg a center back runs around 9km per game. Full backs run more than that. The only one who does not run is the goal keeper. To criticize soccer for lack of movement compared to American football is a ridiculous statement to make. I do not understand your criticism about the ending of the game. Do you think there should be no draw?

[@user-mv7kh5sv9z]

As a non-American, it's unfair comparing the MLS, which started in the mid-90s to European leagues that began 100+ years ago. Of course it wouldn't match up!. Who knows what this league may look like in 100 yrs time? It's better to compare them to leagues that started at a similar time like the J-League, K-League or the Chinese Super League. But the progress MLS has made since the time it began is impressive to say the least. I just wished they would streamline the format/rules of the league in line with the rest-of-the-world and stop thinking "local".

[@brookboussaken3887]

Just tell the kids parents how much money an average pro soccer player like Neymar is making a year compared to average nba and other sports, and also theres more chances that your kid can actually go pro without being a 6'4 muscle machine

[@edwardkelly3280]

Yes but the big money in soccer is in Western European soccer leagues and it’s costs plenty of money to move to another country

[@dixonhill1108]

@@edwardkelly3280 It's only a matter of time before MLS starts paying way way more. The world cup is just around the corner and when they get that popularity boost I can promise you average salaries will be doubling or tripling quite quickly.

[@csmlyly5736]

Right because the families poor enough to need their kids to aspire to sports are the same people spending their money watching sports. Edit- actually come to think of it, this might be entirely true.

[@theosims-woodhouse2446]

Neymar is definitely not the average player

[@carlosnovoa5599]

Dude, Neymar is not an average player. He is one of the best paid players in the sport.

[@MrGilang100]

Yeah, rise of MLS is long overdue. By all statistics (Income, demographics, etc) soccer should be one of the top sports in the US already.

[@carlostenorio9892]

USL Championship and USL 1 are growing the games in markets the MLS isn’t in too. Charleston, Tampa Bay, Colorado Springs, Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, El Paso, OKC. Lots of newer MLS sides have had success in the USL. Minnesota United, Cincinnati FC, Austin FC (Had the Austin Bold) Charlette, Nashville, Orlando City, St. Louis (St. Louis FC folded due to MLS Expansion). This sport is only going to get larger!!!

[@jonathanomar8845]

Who else is here after Messi joined Inter Miami

[@marianchicago4002]

Couple things, US needs it's Tom Brady, Micheal Jordan, Tiger Woods for casual fans to turn in. I think demographics play a LOT larger role and how society has changed, before when immigrants came, they were looked down on if they played soccer for decades, now they don't, and you have a large influx of latin population that loves the sport. Most immigrants outside of like Australia, India, Pakistan that might favor other sports like aussie football, criket, follows soccer as their primary sport. It will be interesting to see with streaming services how things work out, I read some articles about insiders at CBS as to why they got Champions League was they noticed people will rewatch the games at their leisure time because during the broadcasts, most people are working. It is content, you build up a library, you stick it on a streaming service, fans will have to sign up to watch the games, it is also relatively inexpensive compared to NFL, NBA, MLB. In the age of streaming, content is king and sports give you new content on weekly basis. Streaming also lessen the position of ESPN as "King Maker", NBA and NHL has similar audiences in early 90's, NHL got lockout, believe didn't have games on espn for years for NBA stayed stable and worked with ESPN to promote their brand, the dirty secret is ESPN talks about sports it's paying for on it's many shows the most, the Jordan vs Lebron, Lebron vs Durant, Lebron vs Curry, Manning vs Brady all those years, those are talked about on every show, every day as a marketing tool to get people to watch the sport, watch the games, watch the leagues. MLS doesn't have that yet.

[@Phantom_275]

This comment says it all

[@ryansmith1044]

What they need to do for now is keep exporting young Americans to Europe. As more of these exports break out at big clubs over there, the national team will improve, which will further increase the popularity of the game back home. This will ultimately generate more revenue for MLS, which means they can sign better players, especially following the 2026 World Cup.

[@alexmanai1953]

Im from Belgium, it would be nice if the mls would get bigger, i Love how In America sport is 1 of the most important things in life, And soccer is such a great sport to watch and support.

[@mitchellrodriguez1794]

How the USMNT team has developed and is getting way better in international games will really help the MLS grow and get better and better

[@MrRapmaster19]

If the MLB continues to keep shooting themselves in the foot when it comes to labor relations, sucky pace of play, terrible rule changes, and the complete lack of marketing for star players, I won't be surprised if both the MLS and NHL pass it in terms of popularity. The next stage for the MLS and soccer in the US and Canada is to keep pushing on the younger generation and build truly great American and Canadian talents that want to play at home rather in say Spain, Germany, or France. The MLS relies too much on past-their-prime names right now and they need the young stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to stay home.

[@andrew7825]

No. The best US players need to be in the best leagues. Being a selling league means a revenue stream for MLS and incentive to be developing more local talent. That's the best thing about MLS now. They develop teenagers, play them, and then ship them to Europe. Result is a constant stream of good young players at an affordable pay rate for a growing MLS.

[@stevenreyna3437]

We cannot afford to keep those best players here. They will not develop like they would in a top 5 league and it would be a wasted talent. Also, MLS teams dont have the budget to prevent them from going overseas.