Major League Soccer: A League on the Rise
Major League Soccer (MLS) embarks on its 30th season as the largest soccer league in the world, spanning 30 teams across the United States and Canada, covering two countries and four time zones. This vastness is a testament to the league’s growth and success, but it also presents significant challenges. After a tumultuous first decade, MLS has steadily expanded, with the addition of San Diego FC in 2025 tripling its original team count. Franchise valuations have surged twentyfold, and the league’s reach now rivals that of the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB.
The Double-Edged Sword of Expansion
While the league’s growth is impressive, it also creates issues. To casual or U.S. sports fans, many of the 30 clubs are indistinguishable. The league’s expansion and regulated parity have made it difficult for teams to develop unique and compelling narratives beyond Lionel Messi. Unlike other major U.S. leagues, where the top 30 teams are the best in the world, MLS competes for attention with clubs from Mexico, England, and elsewhere. This makes it crucial for MLS to give fans reasons to care about its teams and not just about international giants like Barcelona or domestic sports like the NFL.
The MLS Success Story
Despite these challenges, MLS has achieved notable success. Teams like Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, and St. Louis have thrived, with average per-match attendance topping 23,000 and ranking fifth among domestic soccer leagues worldwide. These clubs have fostered strong local support and community ties. However, they still struggle for national and international relevance. The 2024 MLS Cup final, featuring the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, drew a record-low 468,000 viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes, with even fewer streaming on Apple TV. The league must find ways to become a "league of choice," but owners and executives remain hesitant to invest heavily in players.
The 7 MLS Teams to Watch in 2025
Despite the league’s unpredictability, several teams stand out for the 2025 season:
1. Inter Miami
Lionel Messi and friends set a new single-season points record in 2024. Despite a playoff flop, they remain favorites for 2025. With Messi’s star power and Javier Mascherano’s coaching debut, Inter Miami will be a team to watch.
2. LA Galaxy
The defending champions have retained most of their high-flying core, though injuries to Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil will test their depth. They are likely to be strong contenders again.
3. LAFC
With stars like Olivier Giroud and Denis Bouanga, LAFC has the infrastructure and talent to contend for a fourth Western Conference crown and a second MLS Cup.
4. Columbus Crew
The Crew have been among the league’s best for two years, with the exception of a surprising first-round playoff loss. They have the coaching and infrastructure to reload and remain competitive.
5. FC Cincinnati
In a small market, FC Cincinnati has set a high standard with a focus on winning. Their balanced roster and recent acquisitions make them a team to reckon with.
6. Atlanta United
After a few turbulent years, Atlanta has invested heavily, bringing back Miguel Almirón and hiring Ronny Deila as head coach. The team’s new direction could lead to a resurgence.
7. Seattle Sounders
The Sounders have a roster rich with experienced players and rising stars. They will represent MLS in the FIFA Club World Cup and aim to make a strong push for the MLS title.
New Innovations and Transfers in 2025
The 2025 season brings significant legislative changes, including the introduction of a cash-for-player transfer system within the league. This has led to several notable moves, such as Lucho Acosta’s $5 million move to FC Dallas and Dejan Joveljić’s transfer to Sporting Kansas City. New signings from abroad, like Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atlanta United and Hirving "Chucky" Lozano to San Diego FC, add exciting talent and uncertainty to the league.
Coaching Changes and Project Turnarounds
The offseason saw 12 coaching changes, with notable figures like Bruce Arena returning to the San Jose Earthquakes and Gregg Berhalter taking over the Chicago Fire. Javier Mascherano, a close friend of Messi, has taken the helm at Inter Miami, while Atlanta lured Ronny Deila back from Europe. These changes promise to bring fresh perspectives and new strategies to the league.
Predictions for the 2025 Season
- MLS Cup: Inter Miami over Seattle Sounders
- Supporters’ Shield winner: FC Cincinnati
- Eastern Conference regular season winner: FC Cincinnati
- Western Conference regular season winner: LAFC
- MVP: Lionel Messi
- Golden Boot: Lionel Messi
- Newcomer of the Year: Emmanuel Latte Lath
- Young Player of the Year: Obed Vargas
In the international arena, neither Miami nor Seattle is expected to advance past the group stage in the FIFA Club World Cup. However, MLS teams are predicted to perform better in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with LAFC making it to the final, though Club América is favored to win.
