2025 MLS Season: Everything You Need to Know
The 2025 MLS season is almost here with us, and a lot of excitement is already building up as the league celebrates its 30th anniversary. There is news of new acquisitions and a new team entering the fray, but old familiar names could again dominate the headlines.
The 2024 season saw Lionel Messi and co dominate the regular season, only to fall in the first round of the playoffs. They come into the new season rejuvenated and determined to go for more. They have brought in 40-year-old Argentine Javier Mascherano as their new manager to replace Gerardo Martino, who stepped down for “personal reasons.”
Then we have LA Galaxy, aiming to retain the MLS Cup and solidify their status as MLS' most decorated franchise.
2025 is also the season that introduces fans to the newest kid on the block: San Diego FC. The new team has already made a bold statement after securing the services of Hirving Lozano, who previously played for both Napoli in the Italian Serie A and PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie.
When Does the MLS season Start?
The much-anticipated 2025 MLS season kicks off on the weekend of February 22 and 23, with all 30 teams in action to mark the 30th anniversary campaign.
All eyes will be on Supporters’ Shield defending champions Inter Miami who will open their campaign at home against New York City FC at Chase Stadium on Saturday. San Diego FC have a tricky MLS debut when they face LA Galaxy on Sunday. These, and other matches can be wagered on Bet365, one of the most trusted sportsbooks in the CheekyPunter review.
The addition of San Diego means the 2025 season will feature an expanded slate where each team plays 34 regular-season matches. The season is scheduled to end on October 18, with postseason dates still to be announced.
When is the 2025 MLS All-Star Game?
The MLS All-Star game has been one to look forward to in recent years, especially after different teams look far and wide to scout the best footballers in the world. This year’s edition will take place on Wednesday, July 23, in Austin, Texas. The opponents for this season have not yet been announced, but the All-Stars will look to reverse recent results. They have suffered heavy defeats in the hands of La Liga MX All-Stars and Arsenal of England, losing 1-4 and 0-5, respectively in 2024 and 2023.
The MLS has been bringing in new faces every season, and fans will wait to see if Brazilian Neymar will join his former teammates Messi and Luis Suarez. The trio formed the once-revered MSN trio for Barcelona back in the day, and a reunion would not only boost Inter Miami’s chances for the Playoffs but would also help raise the MLS profile even higher.
Other Key Betting Events in the 2025 MLS Season
Besides the season kickoff and the All-Star Game, the 2025 calendar is full of exciting fixtures. There is this season’s Rivalry Week, which celebrates the fiercest matchups in MLS, as well as breaks for the Club World Cup and Gold Cup.
There will be a massive break from the MLS tradition, where, for the first time, Leagues Cup matches will be played concurrently with the regular season, as is the case in Europe. Initially, a one-month break was set aside to allow the competition to take place.
Worth mentioning, also, is the intriguing showdown between Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps on the opening weekend. These two Cascadia sides share what can be termed as the fiercest rivalries in the history of the MLS, dating back to the 1970s. They have faced each other 120 times before, making this clash one of the most intense derbies in North America.
23.01.2025