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yesterday

MLS Sets Transfer Record With $336 Million in 2025 Spending

A new cash-for-player rule helped propel MLS to an eighth-place global ranking for transfer outlay.

Aug 16, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) waves to fans as he leaves the pitch after a match against the New England Revolution Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images/File Photo
Aug 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath (19) reacts after scoring a goal against Pumas UNAM in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images/File Photo
May 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; FC Cincinnati forward Kevin Denkey (9) in action against Atlanta United in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • The total nearly doubled 2024’s $188 million and would have ranked eighth globally, ahead of Liga MX and Argentina’s Primera División.
  • Teams reset the single-transfer mark three times, led by LAFC’s reported $26–26.5 million move for Son Heung-min after Atlanta United’s $22 million fee for Emmanuel Latte Lath and FC Cincinnati’s $16.3 million for Kevin Denkey.
  • MLS said its new cash-for-player mechanism generated more than $40 million across 11 intra-league deals, including moves for Evander, Djordje Mihailovic and Daniel Gazdag.
  • Clubs registered 169 international arrivals from 50 countries at an average age of 25.2, with most signings coming from Brazil, Argentina, England and Portugal.
  • From Jan. 1 to Feb. 4, U.S. clubs ranked sixth worldwide in spending at $145 million and seventh in revenue at $125 million, with outgoing fees up 126% year over year.