With the El Trafico derby having produced the MLS' highest ever attendance, it is clear that the league is capturing the public's imagination in an unprecedented manner.
The fierce rivalry between the LA Galaxy and LAFC has meant that matches between the cross-city neighbours have become must-watch fixtures. The two teams have experienced contrasting fortunes in recent years but the status of the former as MLS' most historic team and the latter's recent success in the form of their maiden MLS Cup last year has added needle to clashes.
Clearly, the intrigue surrounding the feud between the two Californian outfits has increased exponentially of late, with supporters turning out in record numbers to see the arch enemies face off at Rose Bowl on July 4. In total, some 82,110 fans flocked to see the Los Angeles rivals in action, with this figure smashing the previous record set last year as the Galaxy defied the odds to win 2-1 victory, with former Barcelona player Riqui Puig notching the winner.
Despite their woes over the past six years — making the playoffs just twice during that time — the Galaxy appear to be a major draw, with 74,479 spectators having turned out at Bank of America Stadium to see them take on Charlotte FC when the last record was set. Undoubtedly, the popularity of MLS appears to be skyrocketing and the fact that the attendance record has been broken twice in as many years is testament to the growing status of the league.
On top of this, it is worth noting that major increases in attendance have been recorded over the past twelve months at stadiums across the US, as the public continues to embrace club soccer like never before. Intriguingly, Inter Miami has seen an increase in spectator numbers of some 32.3% in that time, with San Jose Earthquakes seeing numbers increase by 29.2%, while New York City FC has also experienced an upturn of 24.1%.
Likewise, Orlando City has welcomed 14.7% more fans, with FC Cincinnati recording an uptake of 12.5%, FC Dallas gaining some 11.7% and New England Revolution also adding 10.1%. In short, even prior to the landmark capture of Lionel Messi — who is slated to join Inter Miami this summer — the league was experiencing a major increase in popularity.
It cannot be overlooked that the Argentinian icon could also act as a catalyst which may see the league break new ground in this regard in the coming years. Tellingly, tickets to see the superstar in action for his new employers sold out at away grounds across the US within hours of the announcement of his impending transfer to MLS.
Aside from this, technology giants seem to believe that that the league has real potential in terms of streaming opportunities, investing a bumper $2.5 billion (£1.96 billion) to show games in MLS over the next ten years back in Spring. Undoubtedly, it is a league on the up, with average attendance figures demonstrating this and Mirror Sport has listed the average figures for each team in MLS below...
1. Atlanta United: 45,218
2. Charlotte FC: 36,746
3. Seattle Sounders: 31,966
4. Nashville SC: 28,467
5. LA Galaxy: 27,421
6. FC Cincinnati: 25,287
7. Toronto FC: 25,145
8. Portland Timbers: 23,235
9. St Louis City: 22,423
10. New England Revolution: 22.363
11. Los Angeles FC: 22,127
12. New York City FC: 21,376
13. Austin FC: 20,738
14. Columbus Crew: 20,200
15. San Jose Earthquakes: 20,186
16. Orlando City: 19.622
17. Minnesota United: 19,464
18. Real Salt Lake City: 18,938
19. Philadelphia Union: 18,809
20. FC Dallas: 18,473
21. Sporting Kansas City: 18,425
22. D.C. United: 17,886
23. CF Montreal: 17,564
24. New York Red Bulls: 17,300
25. Inter Miami: 16,483
26. Vancouver Whitecaps: 15,978
27. Houston Dynamo: 15,641
28. Colorado Rapids: 15,081
29. Chicago Fire : 14,236
