In August 2025, MLS shattered its previous transfer spending record by disbursing approximately $336 million on player acquisitions—a 75% increase from the 2024 total of $188 million. The highlight of this spending spree was Los Angeles FC's record-breaking $26.5 million signing of South Korean captain Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur. Other significant signings included Emmanuel Latte Lath by Atlanta United for $22 million and Kevin Denkey by FC Cincinnati for $16.3 million. This surge in spending underscores the league's commitment to enhancing its competitive stature and global appeal.
On the field, Danish forward Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC has emerged as a standout player. At 27, Dreyer was named Player of the Week for Week 31 after a stellar performance against Los Angeles FC, where he both scored and assisted in a 2-1 victory. This achievement brought his season tally to 32 goal contributions , leading the league in this category. His consistent performances have positioned him as a serious contender for the MVP award, alongside other notable players like Lionel Messi and Evander of FC Cincinnati.
However, the league has also faced challenges off the field. Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final was marred by a post-match brawl that highlighted growing concerns about the team's discipline. The incident involved several key Miami players, notably Luis Suárez, who instigated the chaos by grabbing a young Sounders player by the neck and later spitting on Seattle's security director. Teammates Sergio Busquets and substitutes Marcelo Weigandt and Tomas Aviles escalated the confrontation, leading to widespread criticism and expectations of forthcoming suspensions.
In response to the incident, the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee imposed a six-game suspension on Luis Suárez for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member during the post-match scuffle. Sergio Busquets received a two-game suspension for throwing a punch, and Tomas Aviles was given a three-game suspension for his involvement. These sanctions apply solely to future editions of the Leagues Cup, a joint MLS and Liga MX tournament. Major League Soccer may impose additional penalties, though it has not confirmed any action yet.
Looking ahead, the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs are set to begin on October 22, culminating with MLS Cup 2025 on December 6. The LA Galaxy are the defending MLS Cup Champions, and the playoffs are expected to be highly competitive, with teams like LAFC, Atlanta United, and FC Cincinnati among the favorites. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate more exciting matches and developments both on and off the field.
