Audi and MLS Celebrate a Decade of Growth and Investment in North American Soccer
RESTON, Va. – As Major League Soccer (MLS) embarks on its milestone 30th season, Audi and the league are marking a decade of partnership that has fueled the sport’s growth across North America. Since 2015, Audi has played a crucial role in MLS’s expansion, youth development initiatives, and overall elevation of soccer’s profile in the United States and Canada.
Over the past ten years, MLS has strengthened its position as one of the top soccer leagues in the world. In 2024, the league ranked second globally in total attendance, with a record 12.1 million fans attending games throughout the season—a 57 percent increase since 2015. The league’s financial value has also surged, with five clubs now valued at over $1 billion and the collective valuation of MLS teams reaching $21 billion, more than seven times its worth a decade ago.
Audi’s Role in Youth Development
A key component of Audi’s impact on MLS has been its commitment to youth development. Through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, the company has invested in MLS club youth academies, helping remove financial and logistical barriers for young players. For every goal scored during the MLS season, Audi contributes funds to support education, housing, and transportation for academy athletes. Since 2019, this initiative has generated more than $5 million for youth development and facilitated the transition of 430 academy graduates to first-team rosters.
Audi has also established Audi Performance Centers at select MLS academies, providing young athletes with access to advanced training resources, technology, and academic support to help them succeed both on and off the field.
Recognizing Impact Beyond the Game
Beyond its investments in player development, Audi has also championed community-driven initiatives through the Celebrating Impact campaign and the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award. These programs recognize MLS players who contribute to social change, equity, and youth empowerment in their communities. In the past two years, Audi has invested $570,000 into player-led initiatives focused on youth education, social equity, and community development across the U.S. and Canada.
MLS’s Continued Growth and Future Milestones
The league’s rapid growth has coincided with major global soccer events set to take place in North America. In 2025, the region will host FIFA’s first-ever Club World Cup, with Audi Field in Washington, D.C., serving as a host venue. Audi’s partner club, Inter Miami CF, will also be competing on the world stage during the tournament. This momentum will carry into the FIFA World Cup in 2026, an event expected to further propel soccer’s influence across the continent.
Audi remains deeply embedded in the MLS ecosystem through its partnerships with clubs such as Inter Miami CF, D.C. United, Orlando City SC, San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, and New York Red Bulls. Additionally, Audi holds the naming rights for Audi Field in Washington, D.C., reinforcing its long-term commitment to soccer in North America.
The automaker also enhances the MLS fan experience by sponsoring the MLS Golden Boot and MLS Cup, while recently introducing MLS-branded Audi Themes for select 2023-2025 Audi models, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle’s MMI display with exclusive MLS content.
Driving Soccer’s Future
As MLS celebrates three decades of competition, its trajectory remains on an upward path, with new teams, larger audiences, and increasing global recognition. Audi’s decade-long partnership has played a pivotal role in shaping this growth, ensuring that the league’s success translates into lasting opportunities for young players and vibrant engagement with fans.
With MLS continuing to expand and North America preparing for two major international soccer tournaments, Audi’s commitment to soccer remains steadfast, reinforcing its dedication to driving progress both on and off the field.
SOURCE Major League Soccer
