By
Chainwire
January 23rd, 2024
Other than ticket sales, part of Messi’s monumental contract also saw him sign an undisclosed revenue-sharing agreement with Apple TV and Adidas.
All eyes are on the US Major League Soccer (MLS) this season, and that’s all thanks to the arrival of fan favourite Lionel Messi. The 36-year-old soccer superstar joined Inter Miami football club last month, albeit on a free transfer.
Since his arrival, however, Messi has brought more to the league than his prolific footballing talent. Simply put, the business side of the MLS is booming big.
Lionel Messi Influences Ticket Pricing in the MLS
Messi’s presence in the MLS has had an undeniable impact on his team and the entire league. For what it’s worth, the MLS before now, wasn’t exactly one of the world’s top-tier leagues. That is in terms of its attraction to the biggest talents of the game.
However, Messi’s arrival has not only created a surge of interest in his team and the league, it has especially had a massive impact on ticket sales. That is even as prices for late-season games in the US have headed for the moon.
In comparison with the average ticket pricing of 2022, ticket prices are now up over 1,700% on the secondary market. For instance, Inter Miami ticket prices have increased significantly for both home and away games.
For home games, the team shot up its ticket price on the secondary market by nearly 470% since Messi signed. That is from an average of $152 to $864, according to TicketIQ data.
Meanwhile, the away games even show more evidence of Messi’s influence. As of August 15, average ticket prices for all remaining away games combined show a 1,002% increase from last year’s.
Other than ticket sales, part of Messi’s monumental contract also saw him sign an undisclosed revenue-sharing agreement with Apple TV and Adidas. And according to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, this has caused subscriptions to “MLS Season Pass” on Apple TV to double.
The official online store for the MLS also confirms that it has had to shift delivery dates to as far as October. That is to be able to meet up with the high demand for Messi-branded jerseys
Inter Miami’s Instagram account has also taken from the clout. Miami Herald says the social media account has grown from 1 million to 14 million followers following Lionel Messi’s arrival.