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MLS Is About To Take Its Next Leap
Welcome to Edition 30 of The Forty-One Life—This week, we lock in on Major League Soccer’s 30th season, as the league steps into a new era with big moves, bigger investments, and even more cultural impact. We’re breaking down MLS’ most valuable franchises, revealing the results of our fan-voted Top 10 kits of the season, and tapping in with Patrick Rose from Blackstar to talk about the work they’re doing to uplift Black soccer talent in America. Plus more! Let’s get into it.
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MOVES
MLS at 30: A New Era for the League and the Culture
Credit: Rich Gordon
Major League Soccer’s 30th season isn’t just another milestone—it’s a full-scale evolution. With Apple’s game-changing $2.5 billion media deal entering its third year, MLS is pushing the sport into uncharted territory.
The league is doubling down on Sunday Night Soccer, a primetime showcase designed to make fútbol appointment viewing on a global scale. Production upgrades, expanded accessibility through DirecTV, Xfinity, Google TV, and T-Mobile, and a Messi-led marketing push are making it clear—MLS isn’t just growing, it’s positioning itself as the future of American sports entertainment. The Onside docuseries, fresh off its Apple TV+ debut, is set to bring more fans inside the league, while bold scheduling adjustments aim to make MLS Cup a can’t-miss event moving forward.
But beyond broadcast deals and marquee matchups, MLS is tapping deeper into culture in ways it never has before. This season, the league is making a concerted effort to connect with Black audiences, enlisting Doechii as a cultural ambassador to inject fresh energy into its marketing, while Issa Rae and Tems are breaking barriers in ownership with their San Diego FC investment.
This move isn’t just about visibility—but greater representation, influence, and expanding the game where it’s historically been overlooked. With soccer culture and Black culture more intertwined than ever, MLS is positioning itself at the center of that intersection in North America. Whether it’s the game on the pitch, the music in the stands, or the stories being told off it, MLS is trying to shift the conversation.
THE SUITE
Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Franchises In 2025
Credit: Rich Gordon
According to Forbes’ 2025 MLS team valuations, LAFC holds the top spot for the third year running, now valued at $1.25 billion, a 4% increase from last year. Inter Miami, fueled by Lionel Messi’s arrival in July 2023, saw a massive 17% surge, bringing their valuation to $1.2 billion and securing the second spot. The top five is rounded out by LA Galaxy ($1 billion), Atlanta United FC ($975 million), and New York City FC ($875 million). The league’s average team value now stands at $690 million, reflecting the growing financial strength and popularity of MLS.
ON THE PITCH
10 Best MLS Kits Of 2025 - Voted By YOU!
We love a good old fashioned group project here at Forty-One, so we asked you guys who you thought had the best kit in MLS this season, and here are the results!
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
This Thing of Ours: How Black Star Soccer is Highlighting America's Black Soccer Talent
Credit: Jared Soares
Soccer and black culture have had a long history here in the States. Yet, that history has typically been overshadowed and under-capitalized. High costs of participation pricing out aspiring players. Few black soccer icons with a fraction of the media coverage of other athletes. Too few black coaches and owners at the professional levels. These are some of the barriers to growing soccer in black American communities. Patrick Rose, a former Howard University soccer alum, saw these barriers and looked for a way to change that.
STYLE
Kitboys Club Drops Limited Edition Kits In Collaboration with Adidas USA
Credit: Tom Bender
Kitboys Club has teamed up with Adidas USA to launch a limited-edition capsule collection for the Adidas Fútbol Society activations in Atlanta. This exclusive drop features a 1-of-50 Kitboys Training Kit, a Club Tee, and a Special Edition Connector Kit, all celebrating Atlanta’s vibrant creative fútbol culture. The entire collection was available at the Adidas Fútbol Society Pop-up.
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WHAT TO WATCH
Matches you don’t want to miss this coming week…
Must-Watch Soccer Matches: Week of Feb 24 – Mar 2
1. Concacaf Champions Cup
Tuesday, February 25 - 27 at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 PM ET on Fox Sports, Tubi, TUDN
Concacaf Champions Cup returns for the 2nd leg of Round 1. LAFC is on the verge of elimination down 2-1 to Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake is tied on Aggregate with Herediano and the Vancouver Whitecaps are down 2-1 to Saprissa
2. SheBelieves Cup: USA vs Japan
Wednesday, February 26 at 10:30 PM ET on TBS, Universo, MAX, Peacock
The USWNT take on Japan in the latest round robin group stage for SheBelieves cup.
3. MLS: San Diego FC v St. Louis CITY
Saturday, March 1 at 10:30 PM ET on MLS Season Pass
Battle of the Expansion clubs, the 29th and 30th MLS franchises face off for the first time.
4. Liga MX Clausura: Top 6 matchups
Saturday March 1 at 6:00, 8:00 PM ET on Fox Sports Deportes, FUBO TV, Youtube TV
It’s a battle at the top in Liga MX Clausura play as #2 Club America take on #6 Toluca and #3 Necaxa take on #5 Tigres
Enjoy the week packed with top-tier soccer action!