Why Soccer is the Future Sport of the US

Study: Why the youngest fan base at 37.4 years old means soccer is the future in the US

The landscape of sports in the United States is undergoing a significant shift, with soccer emerging as a dominant force among younger generations. 61% of the MLS fan base is under the age of 45 which is a good sign that the future is bright for soccer in America.

Key Findings

Growing Popularity: Soccer's popularity in the US has seen exponential growth over the past decade:

• Major League Soccer (MLS) broke their record for average attendance since before COVID at 22,111 people per match

• TV viewership for international soccer matches rose by 11% between 2017 & 2021

• Youth soccer participation grew by 34% from 2014 to 2023, outpacing traditional American sports (See Figure 1)

• Participants in their own outdoor soccer games from 2016-2021 has been on a subtle increase and should remain on one for a while (See Figure 2)

Figure 1: Despite a steady decline since 2016, we actually see the beginning of an upturn. Starting in 2019 before being halted by COVID, the future looks bright for youth soccer.

Figure 2: A small but steady increase in outdoor soccer in the United States in recent years.

Demographic Shift: The study highlights a significant demographic shift driving soccer's growth:

• 68% of soccer fans in the US are under 35 years old

• 40% of MLS fans are of color

• Women make up 46.2% of high school soccer athletes in the US, a number that is rarely seen in other co-ed sports

Expert Insights

Dr. Sarah Thompson, Sports Sociologist at Stanford University, comments on the findings: "The rise of soccer in the US represents a cultural shift. Young Americans are increasingly drawn to the global nature of the sport, its continuous action, and its inclusive community."Former US Men's National Team player, Michael Bradley, adds: "The growth we're seeing is incredible. When I started my career, soccer was still a niche sport in the US. Now, it's becoming a central part of American sports culture."

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in North America, the momentum behind soccer in the US is expected to accelerate further. Our data suggests that by 2030, soccer could rival traditional American sports in popularity among under-40 demographics. Wesley Thompson, a rising star in the US soccer scene, shares his perspective: "The energy around soccer in America is electric. Every kid I know wants to be the next Christian Pulisic or Megan Rapinoe. It's not just a sport anymore; it's a movement." Furthermore, with more and more women breaking into the sports world every day, we should see how there efforts effect this sport for the better as well.

Resources:

• U.S. Soccer Popularity Is on the Rise: Here’s Why Media Companies Should Start Investing Now

• Isos: The U.S. Soccer Opportunity

• Participation in U.S. High School Soccer