The Major Arena Soccer League is the premier destination for professional indoor soccer talent

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born from an amateur offshoot in 2008, the Major Arena Soccer League has evolved into the highest level of arena soccer in North America. By attracting global talent and former stars from major outdoor leagues, it has transformed into a sophisticated, multi-tiered professional organization with its own developmental pathways.

The league originated on May 18, 2008, as the Professional Arena Soccer League, a spin-off from the amateur Premier Arena Soccer League. Its first competitive match took place on October 25, 2008, at Stockton Arena in California, where the California Cougars defeated the Colorado Lightning. The league underwent a significant expansion in 2014, when six teams from the Major Indoor Soccer League joined the ranks, leading to a rebranding as the Major Arena Soccer League on May 18, 2014.

The organization has navigated internal turbulence and growth, including a brief split in 2016 when several teams attempted to form an Indoor Professional League. This was resolved by August 2016, and the league subsequently reorganized as a not-for-profit entity. Today, the MASL operates a comprehensive structure that includes a developmental league, MASL 2, launched in 2017, and a semi-professional tier, MASL 3, which began in 2021. In 2024, the organization further expanded its footprint by launching the MASL Women league.

Beyond its structural evolution, the league has actively courted high-profile talent to elevate its competitive profile. Players with experience in Major League Soccer and international national teams frequently join the rosters. Notable additions have included Landon Donovan, Jermaine Jones, and Dwayne De Rosario. In December 2023, the Empire Strykers secured Marco Fabián with one of the largest contracts in league history, signaling a continued commitment to attracting top-tier professional athletes to the indoor game.

The league has also modernized its broadcast presence to reach a wider audience. While early matches were broadcast regionally, the league now utilizes platforms like Amazon, Twitch, and the CBS Sports Golazo Network. Since the 2016–2017 season, all matches have been archived on the league's YouTube channel, MASLtv, ensuring that the history of this fast-paced sport remains accessible to fans and analysts alike.

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