2025’s All-Star Game Breaks the Mold
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in league history, and the ticket market tells the story.
Both Average Ticket Price (ATP) and get-in prices are sharply up compared to prior years, signaling not just typical All-Star buzz, but something bigger. So, what’s behind the price jump?
By the Numbers: 2025 Tops Recent Years
Looking at data from 2022–2025, the pricing trends stand out:
- 2022 (Saint Paul, MN): ATP peaked around $262, with get-in prices topping ~$250.
- 2023 (Washington, DC): ATP surged to $388, but dropped off just before the game as Messi was expected but didn’t appear, with get-ins still hitting ~$293.
- 2024 (Columbus, OH): Without Messi and in a smaller market, ATP fell sharply to ~$159, with get-in prices dipping below $110, even reaching $10 at one point.
- 2025 (Austin, TX): ATP is now around $300, with get-in prices crossing $220, and still climbing.
Notably, tickets are moving faster and commanding higher prices much earlier, a clear sign of demand. Let’s dig into why:
The Messi Effect: Why One Player Changes Everything
Enter Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic athletes in sports history.
Messi’s arrival to MLS was a global sports moment. The Argentine legend: a World Cup winner, multiple-time Ballon d’Or recipient, and widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He chose to continue his career not in Europe, but in the United States.
For MLS, this wasn’t just a player signing; it was a seismic shift. Messi brought unprecedented international attention to the league, skyrocketing TV ratings, merchandise sales, and stadium attendance.
In 2023, Messi was expected to play in the MLS All-Star Game but ultimately didn’t appear. In 2024, injuries kept him sidelined. Now, with all signs pointing to him finally suiting up for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, fans are eager to be part of the moment, and they’re paying for the chance.
Austin’s Major Market Boost
The game’s location is also fueling demand.
In 2024, the All-Star Game was held in Columbus, Ohio, a smaller market. In 2025, it moves to Austin, Texas, one of the fastest-growing cities in America, with a passionate sports and soccer fan base.
Everything is bigger in Texas, and it doesn’t get much bigger than a global superstar headlining the all-star event.
Why It Matters
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game isn’t just another midseason showcase. It’s a must-see event that combines global star power, a major U.S. market, and rising soccer enthusiasm across North America.
For fans, it’s a chance to witness history, and maybe catch Messi on an MLS All-Star stage for the first (and possibly only) time.
For MLS, it’s another sign that the league’s profile and ticket prices are climbing fast.
