The MLS and NWSL preseason that rivals the NFL and NBA’s biggest events | OneFootball

The Coachella Valley Invitational is an event that is growing steadily and cementing its place as one of the main preseason events in North American soccer. With close to half of the MLS and NWSL teams in this year's edition, games will take place from February 1 through 22 at the fabled Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. That's the same place that stages the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals.

From a humble preparation tournament to the grand event of today, CVI not only attracts fans and major clubs but also cements the belief that soccer in the United States can hold its place in the sports calendar alongside big leagues like MLB, NFL, and NBA.

Growth and Expansion

Now in its fourth year, the CVI has grown impressively. In 2023, the event attracted 25,000 fans, and expectations are even higher for 2024. With daily capacity limited to 5,000 spectators, public matches across seven dates are set to fill the stands once again.

Each team will compete in a minimum of two public matches, but all are welcome to schedule closed matchups during the week, which work best for testing tactical formations and players more freely. There is capacity for 20 teams on the current infrastructure, Kara Korber, AEG's senior director of business development, assured that expansion options exist.

MLS is probably the only major American sports league without its own preseason event. MLB has Spring Training, the NFL has its camps, and the NBA has Summer League. For us, creating and running this event has been a great success," Korber said. The mix of professional infrastructure, direct team access, and the more relaxed preseason environment creates an appealing model for clubs, athletes, and fans alike.

The Allure of the Empire Polo Club

The Empire Polo Club boasts 1,000 acres and is a sight to behold for soccer enthusiasts. Two main fields, complete with bleachers and VIP seating, ensure a one-of-a-kind experience for spectators, who watch matches from just 10 to 15 feet away.

This proximity allows fans to hear players' shouts, coaches' instructions, and even the sound of stronger tackles. Each team also has two fields for training or closed matches, enabling more efficient preseason planning.

Confirmed Teams

Quality is, first and foremost, what brings the fans, but the success of the event is due to the teams involved: alongside the current MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, taking part once again in this CVI, the interest that the event generates with one of the league's most traditional clubs, but others will also be on the pitch: New York Red Bulls (MLS Cup finalist), Seattle Sounders and NYCFC (conference finalists), San Diego FC comes in as an expansion club and is considered one of the most expected additions.

Other clubs like Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, Sporting Kansas City, LAFC, Minnesota United, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, and St. Louis City have also confirmed their presence to give fans a view of some of the biggest stars of MLS in action.

With the inclusion of NWSL teams, as was the case last year, such as Angel City, Bay FC, Houston Dash, Portland Thorns, San Diego Wave, and Seattle Reign, the CVI takes on even greater importance, fostering integration between men's and women's soccer and bringing together a diverse audience.

Why the Coachella Valley Invitational Matters

In the calendar, the Coachella Valley Invitational plays a very important role for MLS. While leagues such as MLB have their traditional Spring Training and the NFL and NBA use preseason to test rosters and attract fans, MLS didn't have an event of its own where preparation and visibility come together.

Now, the CVI emerges as the ideal showcase. Clubs can give minutes to newly signed players, prepare their tactics, and at the same time interact with fans in a more intimate way. Besides that, the event serves to be a stage for youngsters and new faces who will mark this season.

For the fans, this is an excellent chance to observe the stars of the league closely in the laid-back attitude of California. Unlike the nail-biting league or playoff matches, these preseason games bring a more relaxed, yet competitive, pace.