StubHub reveals surging interest in MLS, with Columbus Crew outdoing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the annual report
MLS ticket sales up compared to last seasonCrew leads in ticket demand, followed by Miami and San JoseInternational buyers from 49 countries, up from 44 last seasonWHAT HAPPENED
StubHub, one of the world’s leading ticket marketplaces, has released its annual MLS Season Preview, revealing unprecedented growth in ticket sales and international interest for the 2025 season.
The data, as per Stubhub, shows a significant increase in interest, with Columbus Crew, shockingly, taking the lead as the most in-demand MLS team on StubHub. That is thanks to their on-field performances as the Crew leaped from 17th last year to the pole position – although Inter Miami are close behind.
As per StubHub, trail the Crew by only 5.6 percent in ticket sales followed by the San Jose Earthquakes in third, who have seen a major preseason sales jump. Not only that, San Jose has a significant lead over fourth place New England Revolution.
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"Global interest in Major League Soccer continues to rise, and we’re seeing this growth reflected in an increase in international buyers on StubHub,” said Adam Budelli, spokesperson for StubHub. “The Columbus Crew's increasing popularity following back-to-back MLS Cup appearances has driven them to the top spot as the most in-demand on StubHub. As Messi enters his third season with Inter Miami, his presence remains a major draw on StubHub, fueling excitement every time his team visits other cities and adding a heightened sense of anticipation for each match."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
One of the original 10 clubs in the MLS’ inaugural 1996 season, Columbus Crew have seen their popularity skyrocket in recent seasons. That is thanks to their success on the field with The Crew winning the MLS Cup in 2023 while reaching the finals in 2020.
They also won the Leagues Cup in 2024, and finished second in the Eastern Conference behind only Inter Miami. But they were knocked out by New York Red Bulls in Round 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.
ImagnWHAT NEXT FOR CREW?
While most clubs have already played two or three preseason friendlies, Columbus have only played one, against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
However, the Crew will face Houston Dynamo and Toronto FC in friendly games next before they kick off their 2025 MLS season on Feb. 22, facing the Gregg Berhalter-led Chicago Fire.
