In August 2025, Los Angeles FC made headlines by signing South Korean national team captain Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur for a record $26.5 million. This landmark move not only bolstered LAFC's roster but also attracted substantial interest from South Korean audiences. To capitalize on this surge, MLS secured multiyear broadcast agreements with South Korean platforms Coupang Play and SPOTV, enabling fans to watch LAFC matches live. Seth Bacon, MLS's executive VP of media, highlighted Son's signing as a major cultural and sporting milestone, enhancing the league's international visibility.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami CF, another MLS powerhouse, is reportedly finalizing a multiyear contract extension with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. Since joining the team in 2023, Messi has been instrumental in their success, leading them to victories in the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. This extension would keep him with the club through at least 2026, further solidifying Inter Miami's position in the league.
The league has also witnessed remarkable individual performances. Thomas Müller, after a distinguished 25-year career with Bayern Munich and the German national team, joined the Vancouver Whitecaps in August 2025. In his third game, Müller made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick on his birthday, leading the Whitecaps to a 7-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union. This achievement marked the most lopsided defeat in the Union's history and underscored Müller's potential to elevate the Whitecaps' performance.
On the field, the 2025 Leagues Cup final showcased the growing competitiveness of MLS. Seattle Sounders FC clinched their first Leagues Cup title by defeating Inter Miami CF 3–0 in front of a record crowd of 69,314 spectators at Lumen Field. Defender Alex Roldán earned man of the match honors for his goal and two assists, highlighting the league's rising talent and competitive spirit.
Looking ahead, the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs are set to commence on October 22, with the championship match scheduled for December 6. The playoffs will feature 18 teams—the top nine from each conference—competing for the coveted MLS Cup. As the season progresses, teams are intensifying their efforts to secure playoff spots, promising an exciting conclusion to the 2025 MLS season.
These developments reflect Major League Soccer's dynamic growth and its increasing appeal to both domestic and international audiences. With strategic player acquisitions, significant broadcast partnerships, and competitive matches, MLS continues to solidify its position as a premier soccer league in North America.
