Well, this is a twist. Major League Soccer (MLS) executives have gone out on a limb, boldly declaring their league the second-most attended football league in the world.
MR PLAY OFFER
BET £10 - GET £15
A whopping 12.1 million fans packed the stadiums this past season, putting MLS ahead of Europe’s elite leagues like the Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga.
Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But let’s not get carried away.
If you scratch the surface, you’ll find this claim is a bit like one of those dodgy stats you’d expect from someone trying to convince you their five-a-side team is better than Real Madrid.
The Maths Might Be “Mathing,” But Let’s Check the Sums
First off, yes, the number is real. Nobody’s disputing that 12.1 million fans showed up to MLS games this season.
But before the confetti cannons go off, let’s have a closer look at what’s really going on here.
The MLS season involves over 500 games, thanks to 29 clubs and a playoff system that drags things out longer than a British winter.
Compare that to the Bundesliga, which has just 18 teams and plays a tidy 306 matches, and you start to see where this attendance gap comes from.
In fact, MLS played nearly 200 more games than the Bundesliga. With an average attendance of 23,240 fans per game, that’s about 4.6 million extra bums on seats just by virtue of sheer volume.
It’s not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, is it? If you’re bragging about your attendance stats without mentioning that little detail, you’re about as honest as a striker claiming they didn’t dive in the box.
Why Fans Aren’t Buying the Spin
Here’s the thing about football fans: we’re not daft. We live for stats, debates, and catching out rival ers trying to pull a fast one.
So when MLS executives put out statements like, “We’re the second-most attended league in the world,” without acknowledging the game disparity, it feels a bit like a cheeky attempt to hoodwink casual fans.
It’s not that MLS isn’t doing well—it genuinely is. But trying to dress up aggregate attendance as a sign of dominance over Europe’s top leagues is like claiming a Carabao Cup win makes you kings of England.
It’s technically true, but no one’s buying it.
A Missed Open Goal for MLS
What’s frustrating is that MLS doesn’t need this kind of spin. The league’s growth is undeniable, and there’s plenty to celebrate without resorting to creative ing.
If anything, these exaggerated claims risk undermining the league’s credibility at a time when it’s making real strides.
Here’s an idea: imagine if MLS had posted those stats with a bit of self-awareness and humour. Something like, “Sure, we play 200 more games than the Bundesliga, but hey, the fans still showed up in droves!”
That kind of honesty goes a long way in the footballing world. It’s like a manager itting they parked the bus instead of pretending it was a tactical masterclass.
The Real Wins MLS Should Shout About
Let’s be honest, nobody’s comparing leagues by total attendance. It’s all about per-game averages, atmosphere, and quality on the pitch.
While MLS might not rival the Bundesliga in average attendance (a whopping 41,000 per game) just yet, it has plenty of strengths worth shouting about.
Here are a few:
- Fan Culture That’s Proper Boisterous
From Atlanta United’s rowdy crowds to Portland Timbers’ iconic Timbers Army, MLS has carved out a vibrant fan culture. Some of the atmospheres wouldn’t look out of place in a European stadium—minus the flares, of course. - Big Names and Big Moments
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami? David Beckham’s legacy with LA Galaxy? These are the kinds of marquee moments that make headlines around the globe. MLS has become a league where stars shine, albeit often in the twilight of their careers. Still, Messi in pink—it’s a vibe. - A League of Opportunity
MLS is increasingly a stepping stone for young talent and an attractive destination for players seeking to make their mark. With improving quality and global attention, it’s no longer just a retirement home for Europe’s ageing stars.
Take a Leaf Out of Europe’s Playbook
If MLS wants to earn global respect, it could learn a thing or two from Europe’s top leagues.
The Bundesliga leans into its affordable tickets and fan-owned clubs to build a reputation as the people’s league.
The Premier League never stops reminding us it’s the “best league in the world” (and, annoyingly, they’re probably right).
Even La Liga knows how to flaunt its technical flair and legendary rivalries.
MLS has its own unique identity—community-focused clubs, ionate ers, and a growing reputation as a land of opportunity.
That’s what the league should highlight, not attendance stats that require asterisks.
Don’t Overthink It, Just Be Real
At the end of the day, football fans value authenticity. MLS doesn’t need to inflate its achievements to impress anyone.
The league’s progress is clear, and its potential is exciting. By embracing what makes it special—and having a laugh at its own expense once in a while—MLS can win over skeptics and earn the respect it deserves.
So, here’s my advice to the good folks running MLS: ditch the spin and focus on what you’re already doing brilliantly.
Nobody expects you to be the Premier League overnight, but the footballing world will respect your journey if you’re upfront about it.
And maybe throw in a cheeky line like, “Alright, we may have played a few extra games, but look at those fans!”
It’s humble, it’s honest, and it’s exactly the kind of banter that resonates with fans.
A League on the Rise
The truth is, MLS is growing, and growing fast. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and increasing global attention, the league has a golden opportunity to cement its place on the world stage.
But that growth will come from authenticity and genuine achievements, not stats that require a magnifying glass and a calculator to interpret.
So, here’s to the future of MLS—a league with a bright future, ionate fans, and enough potential to one day rival the best. Just keep the maths honest, lads, and we’ll all get along just fine.
