Major League Soccer’s Growing Popularity: A Look at Soccer’s Rise in America
Soccer, or as it is known globally, football, has long played second fiddle to America’s much-loved sports, like baseball, basketball, and American football. However, in recent years, Major League Soccer (MLS) has been steadily gaining momentum, becoming a significant player in the American sports landscape. The sport’s growing popularity can be attributed to several factors that have contributed to its rise in the United States.
One major factor that has fueled soccer’s surge in popularity is the increasing number of American children and young adults playing the sport. According to the U.S. Youth Soccer, there were nearly 3 million registered youth soccer players in 2019. As these youngsters grow up and turn into avid fans, they help drive the demand for soccer at the professional level. Many young Americans now look beyond traditional American sports, developing a passion for soccer like never before.
Another key element in soccer’s rise is the influence of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by the United States. This event showcased the world’s best soccer players on American soil and introduced the sport to a broader audience. Since then, interest in soccer among Americans has steadily grown. The success of the U.S. Women’s National Team, particularly their back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, has also played a crucial role in inspiring a new generation of soccer fans.
MLS itself has made significant strides in recent years to bolster the sport’s popularity in America. The league, founded in 1993, started with only 10 teams and struggled to compete against more established sports. However, with steady investment and expansion efforts, MLS now boasts 27 teams across the United States and Canada. The addition of notable international players, such as David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Thierry Henry, has added star power and elevated the league’s profile. This increased talent level and exposure have helped draw larger crowds and TV viewership, igniting greater interest in the sport nationwide.
Television coverage and media exposure have also played a vital role in soccer’s ascent. Networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports have significantly increased their coverage of MLS, airing matches on national television and providing extensive online streaming options. Additionally, the rise of social media platforms has made it easier for fans to stay updated on the latest news, highlights, and player interactions. These developments have made professional soccer more accessible to a broader audience, transcending traditional barriers to entry.
The growing popularity of soccer in the United States is also evident in the increasing attendance numbers. MLS set a new average attendance record in 2019, with over 21,000 fans per match attending games, surpassing both the NHL and NBA in average attendance. The dedicated supporter culture in MLS, with fan clubs like the Seattle Sounders’ Emerald City Supporters and Atlanta United’s The Faction, has created a vibrant atmosphere that draws both casual and avid sports fans alike.
Furthermore, international soccer events have captured the imagination of American fans like never before. Events like the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and FIFA World Cup consistently top television ratings, with millions of Americans tuning in to watch the world’s best teams compete. Local sports bars showing these matches have become gathering places for soccer enthusiasts, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community amongst fans.
While soccer still has a long way to go before it overtakes the popularity of America’s traditional sports, there is no denying its upward trajectory. The sport’s growing popularity is a testament to the hard work and investment put into developing the game at the grassroots level, as well as the increasing exposure that MLS and international soccer competitions receive. With more children playing, larger crowds attending matches, and a passionate fanbase that continues to grow, Major League Soccer is firmly establishing itself as a prominent player in the American sports scene.
