MLS attendance, sponsorship revenue hit regular season records [Video]

Major League Soccer scored several regular season records, including for attendance and sponsorship, thanks in part to international super star Lionel Messi — and corporate strategy.

MLS has been nabbing well-known athletes like Messi and Luis Suárez, and leaning on the growing popularity of the sport within the U.S. in a bid to solidify its fanbase after nearly three decades of league play. It’s even created a corporate team to help clubs implement new business strategies.

It appears to be paying off. Nearly 11.5 million people attended MLS matches during the regular season — which ended this past weekend — the most in its history, according to data from the league. That’s up 5% from last year, and 14% from 2022. …