Coachella Valley Invitational: A Preseason Spectacle for Soccer Aficionados
Los Angeles—Beneath the sun-drenched skies of Indio, California, the Coachella Valley Invitational is gearing up to embrace an expansive cohort of soccer talent, featuring nearly half of the teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). This year marks the event’s grand evolution, a testament to its burgeoning popularity among players and fans alike.
Set against the backdrop of the Empire Polo Club—a sprawling 1,000-acre oasis renowned for hosting iconic music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach—this three-week extravaganza will unfold from February 1 to February 22. With 2024 marking its fourth consecutive year in operation, the CVI has quickly transcended its humble beginnings, evolving into a hub of preseason training and high-stakes matches.
Kara Korber, AEG’s senior director of business development, illuminated the promising trajectory: “Currently, we can accommodate 20 teams, but we are exploring the possibility of expanding further if we enhance the infrastructure,” she remarked. The event features two fully equipped fields adorned with bleacher seating and premium viewing options, enabling fans to immerse themselves in the action as teams engage in practice sessions or midweek testing matches.
Korber also highlighted the distinctiveness of this particular event in the American sports landscape: “MLS stands out among major American leagues for not having its own dedicated preseason showcase. MLB boasts spring training, the NFL hosts elaborate preseason camps, and even the NBA features a summer league. Therefore, stepping into this role has been a monumental triumph for us.”
Last year’s invitational attracted an impressive turnout of 25,000 fervent fans, with a cap of 5,000 spectators allowed on-site during the seven days of official matches. Each team is guaranteed at least two publicly accessible matches while also planning additional closed-door fixtures aimed at refining strategies and player rotations.
In this intimate setting, spectators can feel the pulse of the game, a mere 10-15 feet from the field, allowing for an unparalleled auditory and visual experience that captures the essence of every play, tackle, and goal.
Highlighting the event’s significance, the LA Galaxy, current MLS Cup champions, will once again take center stage, accompanied by the formidable New York Red Bulls—MLS Cup finalists—as well as notable conference finalists like Seattle and New York City FC. Newcomers such as the San Diego FC will add an element of surprise, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.
The roster of participating MLS teams also includes Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, Sporting Kansas City, LAFC, Minnesota United FC, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, and St. Louis City SC, showcasing a diverse range of talent from across the league. In parallel, the NWSL will be represented by teams such as Angel City FC, Bay FC, Houston Dash, Portland Thorns FC, San Diego Wave FC, and Seattle OL Reign.
The matches are poised to span from February 1 to February 15 for MLS participants, with NWSL teams taking the spotlight in the final week, culminating a festival of athletic prowess and competitive spirit.
Having originated in 2022 as a modest preseason training venue for just six MLS teams—an event devoid of fans—the CVI has dramatically expanded its scope and ambition. The last two years saw participation soar to 12 MLS teams, evolving further to a remarkable 14 teams in 2025, alongside the inclusion of four NWSL teams by 2024.
“The Coachella Valley Invitational has emerged as a premier preseason event within global soccer, thanks in large part to AEG’s unparalleled expertise in orchestrating world-class events,” opined MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, professional organization, and a unique environment, Coachella offers MLS clubs a remarkable opportunity to hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming season.”
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the anticipation is palpable, with fans eager to witness the fusion of athleticism, strategy, and fervor that only the Coachella Valley Invitational can deliver.
