When you think about soccer, chances are your first thought isn’t the MLS. You’re probably picturing the Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, or even Italy’s Serie A. But something’s shifting. And it’s happening fast. According to a recent study by Opta Analyst, the MLS has now made it into the top 10 leagues globally, ranking 9th in team power standings.
Now, let’s take a step back. Everybody knows soccer in the US has always been seen as the oddball cousin of sports. Baseball, football, and basketball own the spotlight, the TV time, and, of course, the hearts of most fans. But here’s the kicker: that could be changing.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
Seeing the MLS ranked 9th worldwide, ahead of leagues like the English Championship, Argentina’s Liga Profesional, and Mexico’s Liga MX, says a lot about the growth and ambition of soccer in the United States.
But hold up, this didn’t just happen overnight. The rise of the MLS has been a steady grind. Over the past 15 years, the league has been pulling in some of the world’s biggest soccer names from David Beckham back in the day to Lionel Messi today. These stars don’t just raise the technical level, they also bring massive media appeal, which is crucial in an era ruled by social media and global broadcasting.
The ability to spark interest, engage the audience, sell jerseys, and pack stadiums is just as important as winning titles. And on that front, the MLS is killing it. Many clubs now have brand new stadiums filled with passionate fans. The coolest part? A lot of those fans aren’t just there to snap pics with their favorite stars. They’re there to cheer for real.
Sure, the MLS is still miles away from the glitz and technical level of the Premier League or La Liga. That’s just the reality. But that doesn’t take away from its rise. Being ranked 9th globally is no accident. Soccer in the US is growing and it’s growing fast. But in a country where talent runs deep and resources are practically limitless, just how far can this league go?
If there’s one thing Americans know how to do, it’s compete. And if soccer has taught us anything in recent years, it’s that with the right investment, patience, and a solid marketing strategy, anything’s possible.
But okay, what about on the field? It’s one thing to pull in Messi and other big names, but if the play itself isn’t good, none of it matters, right? Exactly. The MLS’s technical level is climbing fast. In recent years, clubs like Los Angeles FC, Atlanta United, and Seattle Sounders have been playing at a high level, even standing toe to toe with many European and South American teams.
Of course, there’s still a long road ahead. The MLS has a lot of things to fine tune. The recruitment policy, for example, is still a bit stiff. Some teams rely too much on aging stars, which can hold back the development of young local talent.
So, what can we expect from the MLS in the coming years? Could it actually become one of the world’s soccer powerhouses? Well, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the history of sports in the US, it’s that nothing’s impossible. Who would’ve thought, 20 years ago, that US women’s soccer would become one of the top global forces? Or that, in a country dominated by the NFL, NBA, and MLB, soccer would start making such big waves?
The MLS still has a lot to prove, no doubt. But it’s on the right track. If it keeps growing at this pace, it wouldn’t be crazy to imagine that, in just a few years, we could be talking about it as one of the top five leagues in the world.