In a testament to its surging popularity, the Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) is set to welcome an unprecedented lineup of 14 Major League Soccer (MLS) and 6 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs for its 2025 edition. This annual preseason extravaganza, nestled in the picturesque Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, has rapidly become a hotspot for top-tier soccer talent to fine-tune their skills ahead of the grueling season.
A Desert Oasis for Soccer’s Elite
The CVI’s meteoric rise is a testament to the vision of organizers AEG, who have transformed the 1,000-acre property – better known for hosting the iconic Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals – into a premier preseason destination for soccer’s crème de la crème. What started as a modest gathering of six MLS teams in 2022 has blossomed into a can’t-miss event for clubs and fans alike.
Kara Korber, AEG’s senior director of business development, revealed that the 2025 tournament is currently capped at 20 teams, but expansion is on the horizon. “We’re exploring the possibility of adding more infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand,” Korber noted. “The CVI has become the go-to preseason event for MLS, filling a void in a league that has long lacked a centralized training hub.”
A Lineup Fit for Champions
Leading the MLS contingent is none other than defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy. They’ll be joined by fellow finalists New York Red Bulls and conference finalists Seattle Sounders and New York City FC. The star-studded cast also includes:
- Austin FC
- Charlotte FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- Sporting Kansas City
- LAFC
- Minnesota United FC
- Portland Timbers
- Real Salt Lake
- San Jose Earthquakes
- St. Louis City FC
- San Diego FC (expansion club)
On the NWSL side, the 2025 CVI will feature:
- Angel City FC
- Bay FC
- Houston Dash
- Portland Thorns FC
- San Diego Wave FC
- Seattle Reign FC
A Fan’s Paradise
For supporters, the CVI offers an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite clubs and players. With spectators a mere 10-15 feet from the action, the event provides an intimate glimpse into the tactics and techniques that make these teams tick.
The CVI is a soccer fan’s dream. You’re so close to the field that you can hear the coaches barking orders and the players calling for the ball. It’s a unique experience that you just can’t get during the regular season.
A longtime Galaxy supporter
The 2024 edition drew an impressive 25,000 fans, and organizers are bracing for even larger crowds in 2025. With a cap of 5,000 spectators per day across the two stadium fields, tickets are expected to be in high demand.
A Preseason with Purpose
For the participating clubs, the CVI represents a crucial juncture in their preseason preparations. Each team is guaranteed at least two matches in front of fans, with the flexibility to schedule additional closed-door scrimmages to experiment with tactics and personnel.
The MLS squads will take center stage from February 1-15, with the NWSL sides showcasing their skills in the final week of the event. The condensed format ensures a high-intensity environment that mirrors the rigors of the regular season.
The Coachella Valley Invitational has become a premier preseason event in global soccer, thanks to AEG’s expertise in producing world-class events. With state-of-the-art facilities, professional organization, and a unique environment, Coachella provides MLS clubs with a terrific opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season.
MLS commissioner Don Garber
A Glimpse into the Future
As the CVI continues to grow in size and stature, it’s clear that the event has tapped into a powerful preseason formula. By combining world-class facilities, elite competition, and an engaged fan base, AEG has created a soccer showcase that’s poised to become a fixture on the global football calendar.
With the 2025 edition set to be the biggest and boldest yet, the soccer world will be watching closely to see which clubs emerge from the desert ready to make their mark on the upcoming season. One thing is certain: the Coachella Valley Invitational has cemented its place as a launching pad for soccer’s brightest stars and a catalyst for the sport’s continued growth in North America.
The MLS squads will take center stage from February 1-15, with the NWSL sides showcasing their skills in the final week of the event. The condensed format ensures a high-intensity environment that mirrors the rigors of the regular season.
The Coachella Valley Invitational has become a premier preseason event in global soccer, thanks to AEG’s expertise in producing world-class events. With state-of-the-art facilities, professional organization, and a unique environment, Coachella provides MLS clubs with a terrific opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season.
MLS commissioner Don Garber
A Glimpse into the Future
As the CVI continues to grow in size and stature, it’s clear that the event has tapped into a powerful preseason formula. By combining world-class facilities, elite competition, and an engaged fan base, AEG has created a soccer showcase that’s poised to become a fixture on the global football calendar.
With the 2025 edition set to be the biggest and boldest yet, the soccer world will be watching closely to see which clubs emerge from the desert ready to make their mark on the upcoming season. One thing is certain: the Coachella Valley Invitational has cemented its place as a launching pad for soccer’s brightest stars and a catalyst for the sport’s continued growth in North America.
