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May 29, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) shoots against Atlanta United during the second half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Star power helps MLS playoffs hit record viewership

Major League Soccer is riding a wave of momentum in 2025, with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs drawing record audiences and putting the league in the spotlight ahead of the MLS Cup final.

After 29 playoff matches, MLS is averaging 711,000 viewers per game across linear and streaming platforms—a 23% jump from last year. Big names like Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, Tadeo Allende, Anders Dreyer, and Son Heung-Min have lit up the postseason, delivering high-stakes, must-watch moments.

The regular season set the stage, with MLS averaging 3.7 million live viewers per week across platforms, up 29% from 2024. Analysts say the combination of international stars, thrilling matchups, and easy access via streaming has helped boost the league’s profile both domestically and abroad.

As the MLS Cup approaches, the league looks poised to continue its surge, proving that soccer’s popularity in the U.S. is stronger than ever.

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