From MLB World Series to MLS Cup: Another NY – LA rivalry?

The possible makings of another cross-country rivalry, pits the New York Red Bulls vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, by way of Major League Soccer,  as fan bases continue to grow on both coasts, and in stadiums across the country.

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After another historic World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees, now MLS soccer with its growing U.S. fan base will take a turn at extending yet another east coast-west coast rivalry.

The recent ‘Fall Classic’ had a record audience of 15.8 million viewers in the United States alone, and surpassed records in Japan, Mexico, Canada and even Taiwan, on the strength of the teams and the cities they represented.

Entering MLS Cup 2024 presented by Audi, @MLS‘ 2024 total attendance of more than 12.1 million fans ranks as the second most among all global soccer leagues, behind only the English Premier League. pic.twitter.com/SXOaY1BpR4

— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) December 5, 2024

A recent report shows that globally, MLS has grown to become the soccer league with the second highest attendance in the current season, only below the Premier League with an average of 12.1 million fans.

With MLS teams in the top two U.S. media markets contending for the ultimate league title, there is hope that more sports audiences may begin to follow them as their locals, and subsequently attract more advertisers and brands.

LA Galaxy tops the MLS

The LA Galaxy became the first team in MLS history to reach an attendance of 10 million fans at home. Its fan base has broken the record for average regular-season attendance since 1996 with 26,135.

The caliber of players such as Riqui Puig, who unfortunately tore his cruciate ligament in the left knee, and the hiring of Brazilian Gabriel Pec as the MLS signing of the year, have captivated its fan base and re-energized the team after several seasons of poor results and a 10-year drought without appearing in the MLS Cup final.

The Galaxy flew to the finals after scoring 16 goals in four playoff games. They beat the Colorado Rapids 5-0, 4-1 and Minnesota 6-2 before a 1-0 win against the Sounders.

LA Galaxy celebrates winning the MLS Western Conference final against the Seattle Sounders at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. EFE/EPA/ALLISON DINNER

NY Red Bulls, ready to write team history

New York has seen healthy growth from June 2023 to June 2024, the Red Bulls were the eighth MLS team with the highest percentage increase (12.8%) in terms of fan attendance.

This punctuated an extraordinary year with the New York team reaching the MLS Cup final for the second time in franchise history; despite being one of the most historically successful clubs in the league, with 15 consecutive appearances in the playoffs, an MLS record, and three Supporters’ Shields (2013, 2015 and 2018).

The Red Bulls came out in the playoffs far from the spotlight, but they earned their right to be here with some surprises along the way. They knocked out the defending champion Columbus Crew in the first-round series, before winning the derby against New York City FC and knocking out Orlando City in the East final.

It’s for us. ALL OF US. pic.twitter.com/8u52OAegUC

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 1, 2024

The LA Galaxy will battle for their sixth MLS Cup, after those of 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2014, while the Red Bulls want to get their hands on what would be their first trophy after losing the 2008 final to the Columbus Crew.

New York and Los Angeles have met 51 times throughout their history and are tied at 21 wins each with nine draws. Unlike the Yankees and Dodgers who have met a record 12 times in the World Series, this will be the first MLS Cup Final between the two teams.