Is there too much soccer happening in North America during this "Summer of Soccer?" | American Soccer, Explained
PSG vs. Atletico Madrid saw a sellout crowd at the Rose Bowl during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Is there too much soccer happening in North America during this "Summer of Soccer?"
Given American soccer's challenges in the past, it's hard to even imagine asking this question now. But with all the tournaments, leagues, cups, and tours taking place right now in the United States and Canada, here we are.
The numbers are staggering. By my calculations, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there will be 1,195 matches senior international level or pro level matches played here. That number breaks down like this:
FIFA Club World Cup: 63 matches
Concacaf Gold Cup: 30 matches
Major League Soccer: 204 matches
USL Championship: 139 matches
USL League One: 90 matches
MLS Next Pro: 196 matches
Leagues Cup: 62 matches
U.S. Open Cup: 4 matches
Canadian Premier League: 54 matches
Canadian Championship: 6
NWSL: 56 matches
USL Super League: 14 matches
Northern Super League: 36
International and Club Friendlies (est.): 30 matches
Over the 99 days, that averages out to 12 games per day. And that doesn't take into account the pre-professional leagues, such as the USL League Two, NPSL, the League for Clubs, the WPSL, etc. It also doesn't include international events broadcast here, such as the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 and the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
It's overwhelming. Even for a hardcore fan like me. I can only imagine how a casual fan feels. Confused about what's what? Uncertain about what is worth their time or money? Exhausted trying to figure it all out?
That’s the ultimate concern. The North American soccer market is still in the growth period of its lifecycle, as soccer audience expert Ramin Tabib likes to say. Is all of this soccer too much for the market to bear at this point?
I hope not. Only time will well. For now, I still believe the game is a rocketship. And there are signs of strength this summer, such as FOX's record Gold Cup viewership. But in the mad dash to mine North America's growing soccer market, there is a risk of burning out the audience before its time if we aren't careful.
Here at Short Corner Media, we have countless discussions about "quality" vs. "quantity." We both fall into the camp of "quality over quantity," especially in today's overflowing content world that is harder and harder to break through. Maybe there's something for the game's powerbrokers to consider here. Maybe not.
So, is there too much soccer this summer?