Despite the surge in popularity of soccer in the United States and rising attendance, MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league is still losing money.
"We're still in investment mode," Garber told The Associated Press. "But there's a lot of momentum for the sport of soccer in the U.S. and Canada and that is empowering."
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MLS signed a television deal worth a reported $720 million with ESPN, Fox and Univision last year, and in March completed a four-year agreement with European sports broadcaster Eurosport and Brazilian broadcaster Globosat.
MLS added clubs in Orlando and New York for this season and plans to add one in Atlanta in 2017 and a second in Los Angeles in 2018. The league also plans to expand into the Miami and Minnesota markets.
MLS games are averaging 21,109 spectators this season,and if Garber is correct, increased intrigue in the league coupled with a steady addition of international names will help MLS continue its growth and even begin making money.
“We're still going through these unique phases that are determining what this league will look like," Garber said. "We don't know what MLS will look like two years from now.
"But if a fan lives in a market with an MLS team, we hope they'll be deeply connected with our local club. Paint their face and wave a flag, put on a club jersey and celebrate this game."