One year ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup and in what could be Lionel Messi’s final year in the league, the 2025 MLS season is now underway.

As the competition celebrates its 30th year, Michael Long, Sam Carp and Josh Sim assess the commercial growth of the league, including its sponsorship portfolio, global following and broadcast partnership with Apple.

Then, the trio reflect on the success of the NHL’s inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which was a huge television hit in North America.

There’s also time to ponder potential lessons from Cristiano Ronaldo streaming the Premier Padel P1 event on his YouTube channel, as well as what’s next for DAZN after it announced a long-rumoured investment from Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investments.

Content we mentioned:

1. MLS Commercial Guide

2. The Health Check: Why MLS sponsorship growth is about more than just Messi

3. Canada v USA 4 Nations Face-Off final draws 16.2m viewers across North America

4. Cristiano Ronaldo’s YouTube channel becomes Premier Padel broadcaster

5. Saudi Arabia’s SURJ takes ‘US$1bn’ stake in DAZN