More than 11 million fans have attended Major League Soccer (MLS) games this season, surpassing the previous record of 10.9 million set in 2024, the league announced on Monday.
According to the league, the average attendance has reached 23,240 fans per game, marking the first time in history that MLS has exceeded the 11 million fan threshold.
The influx of international stars, including Lionel Messi—whose arrival has often led teams to shift matches to larger venues—has significantly contributed to the increase in attendance.
“The arrival of international stars and clubs’ efforts to offer unique, fan-friendly ticket packages and game day experiences are key factors driving the record-breaking attendance across MLS,” the league stated.
This milestone comes with the regular season still ongoing, as 16 matches remain before it concludes on October 19.
This marks the third consecutive year that MLS has attracted over 10 million fans.