Major League Soccer

MLS and Serie A: What is the future of both football leagues?

Discover the future of two of the world's most important leagues: MLS and Italian Serie A: challenges and possibilities.

By Angel Carrillo Hernández

LA Galaxy 2024 MLS Cup champion | Photo: @MLS
LA Galaxy 2024 MLS Cup champion | Photo: @MLS
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Global football is in constant evolution, and two leagues that have garnered attention recently are Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Serie A in Italy. Both competitions have unique dynamics influencing their development and future projection. Here, we explore the future of these growing leagues in world football.

MLS growth in the global football landscape

MLS has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, solidifying its reputation as an attractive league for both players and fans. This progress is evident in several key areas:

Increase in stadium attendance

During the 2024 season, MLS recorded a total attendance of 11,454,295 fans, averaging 23,234 per match—figures representing a 5% increase from 2023 and a 14% rise compared to 2022. This growth places MLS among the leagues with the highest attendance worldwide, surpassing traditionally strong competitions like Mexico’s Liga MX.

Attraction of international stars

The arrival of renowned players such as Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has raised the league’s profile, drawing more viewers and increasing competitiveness. Messi, in particular, has stated that MLS has the potential to reach the level of European leagues, emphasizing the favorable conditions in the U.S. for football development.

League structure and expansion

MLS has adopted an expansion model that will grow the league to 30 teams by 2025, following a structure similar to the NBA. This framework, alongside mechanisms like the Super Draft for selecting collegiate players, aims to balance competitiveness and foster local talent development.

Challenges and opportunities for Serie A

Serie A, one of Europe’s most historic leagues, faces significant challenges in maintaining and increasing its relevance in global football.

Competition with other European leagues

Although Serie A has been home to legendary players and teams, it has recently fallen behind the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga in terms of attendance and popularity. According to data from the 2023-2024 season, Serie A recorded a total attendance of 11,729,280 fans, averaging 30,867 per match—figures trailing behind the Premier League and Bundesliga.

Initiatives to revitalize the league

In an effort to attract more fans, Serie A has started broadcasting some matches on free-to-air television, a practice not seen in nearly three decades. This initiative aims to reach a broader audience and combat piracy by offering free, high-quality content.

Return of iconic figures

The potential return of legendary players like Francesco Totti, even at 48 years old, has generated excitement and could provide a media boost for the league. However, these decisions also raise questions about Serie A’s direction and its focus on developing new talent.

Comparison and future perspectives

When comparing both leagues, it’s clear that MLS is in a phase of growth and expansion, leveraging its business model and attraction of international stars to gain relevance in global football. Meanwhile, Serie A faces the challenge of reinventing itself to compete in an increasingly demanding environment.

Economic and commercial impact

MLS has secured significant commercial agreements, including broadcasting contracts and sponsorships that have strengthened its financial position. The arrival of stars like Messi not only raises the sporting level but also boosts the league’s market value, attracting investments and increasing global visibility.

In contrast, Serie A has faced economic difficulties, with several clubs grappling with debt and financial issues. Competition with more economically powerful leagues like the Premier League has forced Serie A to seek new revenue streams and reconsider its business model to remain competitive.

Local talent development

MLS has invested in academies and youth development programs to nurture local talent and provide a platform for young footballers. This strategy not only improves the league’s quality but also contributes to the growth of football in the United States on a national level.

Serie A has traditionally been a league that combines local talent with the importation of international players. However, the need to adapt to the changing dynamics of global football may push Serie A to invest more heavily in developing young Italian talent, ensuring the league’s sustainability and competitiveness in the future.

Conclusion

The future of MLS and Serie A will depend on their ability to adapt to global football trends, attract talent, maintain competitiveness, and connect with their fan bases. While MLS continues its rise on the international stage, Serie A faces the challenge of revitalizing itself and reaffirming its position among the elite leagues of world football.


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