MLS Attendance 2024: Key Takeaways and Trends

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Over 11 million fans packed MLS stadiums in 2024. That’s a record-breaking number, and we’re diving into all the details. This article explores the story behind the MLS attendance 2024 numbers, from team trends and scheduling quirks to the ongoing discussion around data accuracy. We’ll cover the highs and lows, so join us as we unpack what really shaped MLS 2024 attendance.

[OC] 2024 MLS Attendance Tracker – Matchday 17
byu/christianjd inMLS

MLS 2024 Attendance: A Quick Look

  • Seattle witnessed its lowest regular season attendance since 2009.
  • Fans express disappointment over missing attendance figures and halftime rain delays.
  • Comparisons drawn between Seattle and Chicago’s attendance draw.

Key Takeaways

  • Record-breaking attendance shows MLS growth: The 2024 season shattered attendance records, demonstrating the league’s rising popularity and potential for continued expansion. However, MLS Cup final viewership declined, raising questions about the Apple TV+ deal’s impact on accessibility.
  • Big names bring big crowds: International stars like Messi and Suárez significantly boosted fan interest and attendance, highlighting the importance of star power in attracting new viewers and driving league growth.
  • Focus on the fan experience is key: Weather, early exits, and scheduling can impact individual game attendance. Prioritizing the fan experience through addressing these concerns is crucial for sustained success.

Record-Breaking Numbers: MLS 2024 Attendance Surpasses Expectations

Overall League Growth

Total Attendance and Average Per Game

Major League Soccer (MLS) shattered its all-time regular season attendance record in 2024, drawing over 11 million fans. This impressive figure beats the previous record of 10,900,804, signaling continued growth and a surge in popularity for the league. Sports Illustrated reported an average attendance of 23,240 per game, a testament to the league’s increasing appeal.

Season Ticket Sales and Sponsorship Revenue

While I don’t have the exact numbers for season ticket sales and sponsorship revenue, the record-breaking attendance hints at a positive trend. Increased fan engagement usually means higher demand for season tickets and better sponsorship opportunities. This growth could further fuel the league’s expansion and development.

Team-Specific Attendance Data

Top Performers: Atlanta and Charlotte

Atlanta United remains a fan favorite, leading the league with an average attendance of 49,351 per game. Charlotte FC also impressed, drawing an average of 35,364 fans. These numbers highlight the strong local support and the overall excitement surrounding MLS in those markets. Check out Sports Illustrated for more details on team-specific attendance.

Impact of Star Players

The arrival of international stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Marco Reus, and Olivier Giroud definitely played a role in boosting fan interest and attendance. These big names bring global recognition and excitement, elevating the league’s profile and attracting new viewers. Sports Illustrated noted the significant impact of these players on the 2024 season.

MLS Cup Final Viewership: A Mixed Bag

Television Viewership and Apple TV+ Numbers

While regular season attendance soared, the MLS Cup final viewership told a different story. The Guardian reported only 468,000 viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes, a significant drop from the previous year. This makes you wonder about what influences viewership for the championship game.

Factors Affecting Viewership

A few things likely contributed to the lower viewership numbers for the final. The shift to Apple TV+, putting games behind a paywall, may have limited access for some fans. Plus, Lionel Messi’s absence in the final probably impacted overall interest.

The Apple TV Deal: A New Era for MLS Viewership

The $2.5 Billion Question: Is It Paying Off?

The MLS’s $2.5 billion deal with Apple TV+ marks a new era for broadcasting, but its success is still up for debate. While the deal offers financial stability and wider reach, the shift to streaming raises questions about accessibility and its impact on viewership.

Transparency and Data: The Challenge of Measuring Success

One challenge in evaluating the Apple TV+ deal is the lack of transparent viewership data. Unlike traditional TV, streaming platforms are often less open with their numbers, making it tough to accurately assess the deal’s impact on audience reach.

Accessibility and the Paywall: Impact on Casual Viewers

Moving to a subscription service has created a paywall that might discourage casual viewers. While dedicated fans might subscribe, this barrier could limit the league’s ability to attract new fans and grow organically.

MLS Attendance 2024: A Deeper Dive

High-Attendance Matches: A Look at the Biggest Crowds

MLSSoccer.com reported impressive numbers for several 2024 matches, with two games exceeding 70,000 attendees and eight surpassing 60,000. These numbers show the growing popularity of MLS and the potential for large-scale events to draw big crowds.

Factors Influencing Attendance

Weather and Early Exits

Things like weather and fans leaving early can influence attendance figures for individual games. Reports show fan disappointment over missed attendance figures and halftime rain delays, suggesting that these factors can impact the fan experience and potentially future attendance.

Schedule Alignment with European Leagues

How the MLS schedule lines up with European leagues could also influence viewership and attendance. Competing with popular European matches might draw viewers away from MLS games, especially for fans who follow multiple leagues.

Playoff System Complexity

The MLS playoff system’s complexity could also be a factor in fan engagement. A simpler playoff format might increase interest and encourage more fans to follow the postseason.

Is MLS Attendance Reporting Accurate?

Transparency and Data Collection Methods

The accuracy of MLS attendance reporting depends on transparent data collection. While the league publishes official numbers, questions about the methods used and the potential for discrepancies warrant further investigation. More transparency would enhance credibility and give a more accurate picture of fan engagement.

Why Was Seattle’s MLS Attendance Low?

Potential Factors

Seattle saw its lowest regular season attendance since 2009, raising questions about why. The Sports Business Journal highlighted this decline, leading to speculation about local market dynamics, team performance, and other potential influences.

Did Rain and Early Exits Affect MLS Attendance?

Impact on Individual Games

Rain delays and early exits can significantly impact individual game attendance. The Sports Business Journal noted fan frustration with these issues, suggesting they can negatively affect the fan experience and potentially discourage future attendance. Addressing these concerns could improve fan satisfaction and attendance numbers.

Is MLS Attendance Reporting Accurate?

Opinions are split on the delay in reporting Red Bulls’ attendance, with users questioning the professionalism involved.

Why Was Seattle’s MLS Attendance Low?

Seattle’s significant drop in attendance prompts discussions on potential factors such as weather conditions and timing of the game.

Did Rain and Early Exits Affect MLS Attendance?

The impact of a halftime rain delay and midweek scheduling is highlighted as a major contributor to the lower turnout and reporting issues.

Comparisons with other teams’ attendance figures spark interest and debate among fans, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did MLS overall attendance increase in 2024, but the MLS Cup final viewership decrease? Several factors likely contributed to this. The regular season benefited from the excitement around new international stars and expanding fan bases in certain cities. However, the MLS Cup final was impacted by the absence of Lionel Messi and the shift to Apple TV+, which put the game behind a paywall, potentially limiting access for some viewers.

How has the Apple TV+ deal affected MLS viewership? It’s a complex picture. The deal has brought financial stability to the league, but the lack of transparent viewership data makes it difficult to measure its true impact. The paywall created by the streaming service may have limited access for casual fans, while dedicated fans likely subscribed. The long-term effects on viewership and fan growth remain to be seen.

What factors influence individual game attendance in MLS? Game day experience plays a big role. Weather, inconvenient scheduling (like midweek games), and even the perceived quality of the matchup can influence how many people show up. Fan frustration with issues like rain delays and early exits can also impact future attendance.

Why did Seattle experience such a significant drop in attendance in 2024? While several theories exist, pinpointing the exact cause is difficult. Possible factors include changes in the local market, the team’s performance, and even competition from other entertainment options. More in-depth analysis would be needed to fully understand the decline.

How accurate is MLS attendance reporting? While the league provides official numbers, some questions remain about transparency and data collection methods. Increased transparency from the league would build trust and provide a clearer understanding of true fan engagement.