Top MLS 2025 Season Contenders Ranked

Today, we're breaking down the top five contenders for the 2025 season, based on their 2024 performances, off-season moves, and overall potential heading into the new year.

What to Expect in the 2025 MLS Season

There are indeed a lot of storylines to talk about in the 2025 MLS season, especially with another campaign filled with interesting runs and trades from the top teams in the league. With a new club coming in hot in the San Diego FC and other squads getting some promising revamps, it does seem safe to say that there are bigger games to look out for in the 2025 campaign.

Let’s take a look back in the 2024 season: Inter Miami came up with the best record in the league, only to be denied by the Atlanta United in the early stages of the season despite winning the Supporters’ Shield. The Columbus Crew was also ousted early in the playoffs despite all the hype after they won the Leagues Cup with strong conviction.

LA Galaxy finished with a bang in 2024 image

On the other hand, the battle of LA teams did not live up to expectation. Sure, both teams switched spots on the standings multiple times, with LAFC ending up as the first seed, but then the latter got eliminated in the semis and fans were denied an LAFC-LA Galaxy final in the Western Conference, which could have been a spectacular showdown to remember.

In the end, LA Galaxy finished at the top of the MLS world after beating the surprise East winners in the New York Red Bulls, and while it was an unexpected finish, the MLS world was given a huge treat in the final, which says a lot about how the impressive games this season would be tailored to bring us some of the missed chances in the previous season.

Which Teams are Favored to Win in the 2025 MLS Season?

Clubs are continuously seeking to establish their dominance in the MLS, and it has no mercy to those teams that are not making the most of their upgrades. Over the years, we have seen how many teams have scored at the top of the league, and it cannot be denied that the MLS season is going to be a huge run to look out for as clubs now hope to build a different season and leave a mark in the game.

MLS Cup Odds 2025 (Updated as of February 14, 2025)

Rank	Club	Best Odds to Win
1	Inter Miami	+300
2	LA Galaxy	+550
3	Los Angeles FC	+750
4	Columbus Crew	+1000
5	FC Cincinnati	+1200

Based on the current odds, it doesn’t seem to be any different than last season so far, and one can say that all of these five teams are easy contenders to bet on, especially with the fact that they have enjoyed promising performances from their players in the previous season.

With the odds already set, there are many keen bettors and analysts who are putting in their money on the hottest picks in the market. Of course, these are just speculated numbers based on their performances from the previous season and the pulse of many fans and experts in the league. But if you are feeling a little bit lucky right now, make sure to check out your potential winnings or the current swing of the odds with GambleSpot’s Parlay and Odds Calculator today.

Inter Miami

2024 Result: 1st in Eastern Conference, 22-4-8 record, 74 points - Won Supporters Shield, Lost in Round 1

Inter Miami image

After a historic 2024 campaign, in which the team finished atop the Eastern Conference with a stellar 22-4-8 record and claimed the Supporters Shield, Inter Miami enters the 2025 season with high expectations but also the weight of playoff disappointment to carry. The team's early exit in the postseason after dominating the regular season has left them hungry for redemption, and their strong squad depth and tactical acumen make them legitimate contenders once again.

Expect the team to challenge at the top again, with a deep playoff run in mind. While known for their offensive flair, the team's defense has become increasingly difficult to break down. With a solid backline and a goalkeeper who has proven to be one of the league’s best, Inter Miami is hard to beat on their day. This defensive unit’s ability to handle pressure and remain organized will be a key factor in their playoff push.

LA Galaxy

2024 Result: 2nd in Western Conference, 19-8-7 record, 64 points - Won MLS Cup

After a triumphant 2024 season, where LA Galaxy defied expectations to finish second in the Western Conference and ultimately lifted the MLS Cup, the team enters 2025 with a sense of pride and momentum. The Galaxy showed resilience, tactical discipline, and a killer instinct when it mattered most, turning what could have been a good season into an unforgettable one. With the trophy secured, the challenge now shifts to defending their title while maintaining the same level of intensity and quality that led them to glory.

The Galaxy have always been a team that thrives in big moments, and their 2024 MLS Cup win reinforced their ability to rise to the occasion. With a core group of leaders who know how to manage pressure, this team will remain a tough opponent in high-stakes matches, especially in the postseason. The belief in their system and their ability to pull through in tight situations will be an invaluable asset in 2025.

LA Galaxy image

Los Angeles FC

2024 Result: 1st in Western Conference, 19-8-7 record, 64 points - Lost in Semifinals

LAFC image

After finishing first in the Western Conference in 2024 with an impressive 19-8-7 record and 64 points, Los Angeles FC enters the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose. Though they were knocked out in the semifinals last year, their dominant regular-season form highlighted their ability to compete at the highest level, and they’ll be aiming to go one step further this time around. The challenge for LAFC will be to translate their regular-season success into a deeper playoff run and finally capture the elusive MLS Cup.

Despite finishing atop the conference, LAFC’s playoff performance has not yet resulted in an MLS Cup. The semifinal exit in 2024 will be a bitter reminder of their need to step up when it matters most. A major area of focus will be managing the pressure of knockout games and finding a way to keep their cool and execute at the highest level in big moments.

Columbus Crew

2024 Result: 2nd in Eastern Conference, 19-6-9 record, 66 points - Won Leagues Cup, Lost in Round 1

Columbus Crew image

After a strong 2024 season, where they finished second in the Eastern Conference with a 19-6-9 record and secured 66 points, this team heads into 2025 with renewed confidence. Not only did they perform admirably in the league, but their victory in the Leagues Cup also demonstrated their ability to thrive in high-pressure knockout competitions. However, their disappointing early exit in the first round of the playoffs left a bitter taste, and this year, the team is eager to go further, aiming for both the MLS Cup and more success in international tournaments.

While the team performed well overall, there were stretches of inconsistency that allowed other teams to close the gap. Maintaining a high level of performance across the entirety of the season, avoiding dips in form, and securing points against lower-tier teams will be crucial for a top finish in the Eastern Conference.

FC Cincinnati

2024 Result: 3rd in Eastern Conference, 18-11-5 record, 59 points - Lost in Round 1

After a strong 2024 campaign, where they finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference with an 18-11-5 record and 59 points, FC Cincinnati heads into 2025 with renewed ambition. While their playoff run was short-lived with an early exit in Round 1, the season was still a major step forward for the club, showcasing their growth and competitiveness in what has become one of the toughest conferences in MLS.

After another early exit in 2024, the club will need to focus on the mental side of the game, especially in high-pressure postseason situations. They’ve proven they can get to the playoffs, but now the focus shifts to going further. Handling pressure, maintaining composure in tight matches, and executing their game plan effectively when it matters most will be key to their postseason success.

Cincinnati FC image

Honorable Mention: New York Red Bulls (+2000)

2024 Result: 7th in Eastern Conference, 11-9-14 record, 47 points Lost in MLS Cup Final

For bias reasons, the New York Red Bulls are easily another team to look out for in the 2025 MLS season. After a somewhat disappointing 2024 campaign, where they finished 7th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-9-14 record and 47 points, the New York Red Bulls will be looking to bounce back in 2025. While their regular season wasn't as successful as they'd hoped, they showcased resilience, especially with a strong playoff run that ultimately saw them reach the MLS Cup Final.

Though they fell short of the ultimate prize, the experience of playing in such high-pressure matches will fuel their desire for redemption in the upcoming season. Reaching the MLS Cup Final in 2024 showed that the Red Bulls have the quality to make a deep postseason run. However, translating that into consistent playoff success will be a mental challenge. While the Red Bulls' defense is solid, their attack often lacked the cutting edge needed to break down stubborn defenses.

Get the Best out of the 2025 MLS Season!

As the 2025 MLS season kicks off, the excitement, intensity, and drama are set to reach new heights. This season promises to deliver unforgettable moments, high-paced games, and playoff battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it’s the intense rivalries, jaw-dropping goals, or nail-biting finishes, MLS has it all. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are higher than ever—one team will lift the MLS Cup, but which one will rise to the occasion?

For those who want to get even closer to the action, betting on the 2025 MLS season opens up endless opportunities. Will the defending champions defend their title, or will a new contender take the throne? Who will be the breakout star of the year? Can a team with a shaky regular season turn it around in the playoffs? Every match is an unpredictable thriller, making this one of the most exciting seasons yet to follow—and even more exciting to bet on.

Make sure to consult our Gamble AI if you have some concerns in your betting plans or in need of a new betting strategy. The more well-thought your wagers are, the bigger your chances of winning in each of your wagers!

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