What's Happening?
The opening weekend of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season witnessed a historic attendance record during the match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Inter Miami CF. Held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the game attracted 75,673 fans, marking the highest attendance for an MLS opening weekend match. This turnout is the second-highest standalone attendance in the league's history, surpassed only by the 82,110 fans who attended the July 4, 2023, El Tráfico match between LA Galaxy and LAFC at the Rose Bowl. The match featured high-profile players such as Son Heung-Min and Lionel Messi, drawing significant attention and contributing to the record-breaking crowd.
Why It's Important?
This record-setting attendance highlights the growing popularity and commercial
appeal of Major League Soccer in the United States. The presence of international stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min in the league has elevated its profile, attracting larger audiences and increasing media coverage. This surge in interest can lead to greater sponsorship opportunities, higher television ratings, and increased revenue for the league and its teams. The event underscores MLS's potential to compete with other major sports leagues in the U.S. by leveraging star power and creating marquee matchups that draw significant fan engagement.
What's Next?
The success of this event may encourage MLS to schedule more high-profile matches in larger venues to capitalize on the growing fan interest. Teams might also invest more in acquiring international stars to maintain and boost attendance figures. Additionally, the league could explore expanding its reach through strategic partnerships and marketing campaigns aimed at attracting a broader audience. The increased attention could also prompt discussions about further expansion of the league and the potential for new franchises in untapped markets.
