MLS

Major League Soccer (MLS) is a U.S.-based men’s pro soccer league that launched in 1996 with 10 teams; the league has since grown to 29 teams located in both the U.S. and Canada. MLS will expand again in the 2025 season with the addition of San Diego FC. Don Garber has been MLS commissioner since August 1999.

MLS teams play their regular season from March until mid-October, and the MLS Cup Playoffs run through early November. The team with the most points won in the regular season is awarded the Supporters’ Shield, and the winner of the playoffs earns the MLS Cup. The LA Galaxy, one of the original 10 teams, have won five titles, the most in MLS history.

In 2022, MLS and Apple announced a 10-year deal to stream every game on Apple TV+, a deal worth $250 million a year. MLS Season Pass, as the deal is called, is available for $99/season with discounts for Apple TV+ subscribers.

In 2023, Argentine great Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami CF, a move that boosted revenues across the league.

MLS’ most valuable club is Los Angeles FC, worth $1.15 billion, according to Sportico’s most recent MLS valuations, and the average club is worth $678 million. LAFC ranks No. 15 on the list of the world’s 50 most valuable soccer clubs.