Soccer <\/p>\n
CARSON, Calif. \u2013 Celebrations will soon follow MLS Cup presented by Audi, when LA Galaxy<\/a> host New York Red Bulls<\/a> on Saturday afternoon (4 pm ET | Apple TV – Free<\/a>; FOX, FOX Deportes; TSN, RDS).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Before then, it\u2019s time for reflection on the 2024 season.<\/p>\n Commissioner Don Garber did exactly that Friday afternoon, forecasting what lies ahead as season No. 29 concludes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a remarkable year for Major League Soccer,\u201d Garber said from the Amex Club at Dignity Health Sports Park.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve always been laser-focused on fulfilling the promise of the sport in the U.S. and Canada, and this year has been another year of collectively delivering on that promise.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n This season marked the second of MLS\u2019s 10-year partnership with Apple, broadcasting games worldwide via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n With consistent start times, no blackouts and improved picture quality, MLS is at the forefront of streaming in global sport. The league is also fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem of Apps, Fitness, News, Music and more.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are really pleased with the results, and fan response has been extremely positive,\u201d said Garber. \u201cWe could not be more excited about our future with Apple.\u201d<\/p>\n Records continue to fall off the field, too.<\/p>\n MLS recently became the second-highest-attended soccer league worldwide<\/a>, with over 12.1 million fans filling stadiums this year. There are new benchmarks in sponsorship, consumer products and digital engagement as well \u2013 powering increased investment in soccer across the U.S. and Canada.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Time to crown another. ???? pic.twitter.com\/TLi9rjIY8E<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Undoubtedly, the league\u2019s most recognizable player remains Inter Miami CF<\/a> forward Lionel Messi<\/a>. The Argentine icon was named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP<\/a>, tallying an incredible 36 goal contributions (20g\/16a) despite only playing in 19 matches.<\/p>\n But MLS attracts top young talent, not just experienced stars with glittering r\u00e9sum\u00e9s.<\/p>\n Recently, FC Cincinnati<\/a> also set a new league record transfer fee by acquiring striker K\u00e9vin Denkey<\/a>, the Belgian League\u2019s top scorer over the last two seasons. He joins for reportedly over $16 million.<\/p>\n \u201cWe continue to see some of the world\u2019s top young players making MLS their league of choice,\u201d Garber said.<\/p>\n Homegrown stars are making a profound impact, too.<\/p>\n The highest-profile example came in July, when Philadelphia Union<\/a>‘s Cavan Sullivan<\/a> became the youngest debutant in MLS history at 14 years and 293 days old. Or even the Summer Olympics, where 17 of the 18 players on Team USA played in MLS or came through the league\u2019s system.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Next year, teams will continue pursuing several trophies amid a busy calendar.<\/p>\n Ten teams will compete in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a>, while two \u2013 Seattle Sounders FC<\/a> and Inter Miami \u2013 will participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup<\/a>. The latter competition, in particular, brings new eyeballs and excitement.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a chance to showcase our growing competitiveness on a global stage against the world\u2019s best clubs in meaningful matches,\u201d Garber said.<\/p>\n Then there are milestones, like San Diego FC<\/a> formally becoming expansion team No. 30 in 2025. Or the all-access docuseries from Box-to-Box Films on Apple TV+, offering fans unprecedented insight into the lives of MLS players.<\/p>\nInnovation and opportunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Rising stars<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
More to come<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n