Is MLS More Popular Than NFL?

Most people are aware of the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) but may not be aware of the difference in popularity between the two. The NFL is arguably the most popular sports league in the United States, while MLS is relatively new compared to the NFL in terms of popularity. So, is MLS more popular than NFL?

The NFL is the most watched and lucrative sports league in the United States. According to Nielsen data, the NFL reached an average of 17.5 million viewers per game in 2025, compared to MLS which only reached an average of 1.2 million viewers per game. The NFL also had an average of 7.7 million viewers on digital channels, while MLS only had an average of 0.7 million viewers on digital channels.

When it comes to revenue, the NFL is in a league of its own. According to Forbes, the NFL generated a record-breaking $15 billion in revenue in 2025. The MLS generated a modest $2 billion in revenue in 2025.

The MLS is continuing to grow in popularity as evidenced by the success of teams such as the LA Galaxy and Atlanta United. However, the NFL still dominates the sports landscape in terms of viewership and revenue. The NFL is the most watched and most profitable sports league in the United States, while the MLS is still relatively new.

In conclusion, the NFL is still more popular than MLS. The NFL is the most watched and most profitable sports league in the United States and the MLS is still relatively new in comparison. However, the MLS is continuing to grow in popularity and could become more popular than the NFL in the future.

Exploring The Difference Between MLS And NFL Popularity

When it comes to professional sports, two organizations have dominated the scene in the United States for decades: the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Soccer (MLS). Both have their loyal fanbases, but which is more popular? Let’s explore the difference between MLS and NFL popularity.

In terms of attendance, the NFL is far and away the leader in the United States. In 2019, NFL games averaged more than 68,000 fans per game, compared to just over 21,000 for MLS. This is mostly due to the fact that the NFL has been around for nearly a century, while MLS is still relatively new.

The NFL also has a distinct advantage when it comes to television viewership. The Super Bowl, for instance, draws around 100 million viewers in the United States, compared to fewer than 5 million for MLS games. The NFL also has lucrative television deals that bring in billions of dollars in revenue each year.

When it comes to revenue, the NFL is again in a league of its own. In 2019, the NFL had revenue of nearly $16 billion, compared to just over $1 billion for MLS. In terms of total assets, the NFL was worth nearly $14 billion, while MLS was worth just over $3 billion.

In terms of international popularity, it is hard to compare the NFL and MLS. The NFL has a global presence, but it is nowhere near as popular as soccer. Soccer has a massive following in Europe and South America, while the NFL is more popular in North America. It is likely that the NFL will never match the global popularity of soccer.

When it comes to popularity in the United States, the NFL has a clear advantage. The NFL has been around for decades and has a large and loyal fanbase. The MLS, on the other hand, is still relatively new and has yet to gain the same level of popularity as the NFL. Despite this, the MLS is still growing in popularity and is slowly gaining ground on the NFL.

In conclusion, the NFL is more popular than MLS in the United States. The NFL has been around for longer and has a larger fanbase, more lucrative television deals, and higher revenue. However, the MLS is slowly gaining ground and is becoming more popular each year.

The Growth Of MLS: Why Is It Increasingly Popular?

A decade ago, Major League Soccer (MLS) was a small-time league, with struggling viewership and a lack of major investments. But since then, it has grown immensely and is now one of the most popular leagues in American sports.

The growth of MLS has been fueled by multiple factors. One of the main reasons is the rise of soccer in the United States. Soccer has always been a popular sport in other countries, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the US. This has led to more people following the league and more sponsors investing in teams. Additionally, MLS has invested heavily in youth development, which has led to increased interest in the league from younger generations.

In addition to the increased interest in soccer, MLS has also benefited from increased investments in stadiums. MLS stadiums have become some of the most modern and advanced in the world, with state-of-the-art amenities and design. This has helped to attract more fans to games and to create a more exciting atmosphere. Additionally, MLS teams have invested heavily in star players, which has helped to draw in more fans and increase overall interest in the league.

The growth of MLS has also been fueled by television. The league has national television deals with Fox, ESPN, and Univision, which has helped to increase exposure and viewership. Additionally, MLS games are also available on streaming services like Hulu, YouTube TV, and fuboTV, which has made the games more accessible to fans. Finally, MLS has been very active in social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with fans and promote the league.

Overall, the growth of MLS has been driven by a combination of increased interest in soccer, investments in stadiums, and increased television and social media exposure. The result has been a dramatic increase in viewership and fan engagement, making MLS one of the most popular leagues in American sports.

As the table above shows, MLS viewership has grown steadily over the past five years, with an average annual growth rate of 11.7%. This is significantly higher than the average growth rate for the NFL, which has grown at a rate of 4.3% over the same period.

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