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Record breaking MLS sees more than 11 million fans attend regular season games in 2024

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.

Estados Unidos
Colorado Rapids fans cheer prior to a match against Seattle Sounders FC at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Isaiah J. DowningUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Major League Soccer has set a new regular season attendance record with more than 11 million fans showing up at 2024 season games with one more matchday of the current campaign still outstanding.

The previous record was generated in 2023 when a cumulative total of 10,900,804 fans attended matches.

Timbers Army (Portland Timbers)
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Timbers Army (Portland Timbers)Archive

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.

Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi warms up
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Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi warms up CHRIS ARJOONAFP

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.