PHOENIX — Arizona is set to host 2025 MLS NEXT Fest, North America’s largest youth soccer showcase and recruiting event, Dec. 4-15 at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa.

The Arizona Sports & Events Alliance announced Monday that the event will bring thousands of young athletes and families to the region in December and is expected to drive significant hotel demand and visitor spending across the Valley. The Alliance and MLS NEXT are also in conversations about hosting future showcases in Arizona.

The Alliance and Visit Mesa are leading the way to establish a long-term relationship with MLS NEXT and explore future opportunities for the region. For this year’s showcase, they are partnering with Arizona Athletic Grounds, the Arizona Office of Tourism, Discover Gilbert, Experience Scottsdale, Tempe Tourism, Visit Chandler and Visit Phoenix to support the event and highlight the Valley’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.

MLS NEXT Fest will feature more than 1,300 teams from at least 200 clubs competing across all six MLS NEXT age groups (U13–U17, U-19). Over the 12-day showcase, more than 450 professional, national team and college scouts will evaluate more than 30,000 players in 1,850 matches, making the showcase one of the largest college recruiting events in the nation. The youth soccer showcase also will include an opportunity for MLS NEXT Elite Academies to qualify for the 2026 Generation adidas Cup.

“We’re honored that MLS has chosen Arizona to host MLS NEXT Fest, which will bring incredible energy, talent and families from across the country to our community,” said Jay Parry, President & CEO of the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance. “This event brings communities together, creates future fans of the game, and introduces new families to everything our state has to offer. Following the Valley’s successful hosting of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup at State Farm Stadium, we’re proud to collaborate with our tourism partners and world-class venues as we welcome MLS NEXT Fest to Arizona.”

“MLS NEXT Fest is designed to deliver a best-in-class environment for player development and talent identification, and we’re excited to bring the showcase to Arizona for 2025,” said MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. “Arizona offers high-quality facilities, easy travel access and a strong spirit of collaboration, making it an ideal setting for MLS NEXT Fest and a seamless, high-level experience for players, coaches and scouts.”

Arizona Athletic Grounds will host the majority of the event’s matches and training. U-13 and U-14 competition will be held at three Scottsdale venues – Reata Sports Complex, Bell94 and Scottsdale Sports Complex – to help accommodate the scale of the showcase.

“Hosting MLS NEXT Fest is a proud moment for Arizona Athletic Grounds,” said Meg Stevens, President of Arizona Athletic Grounds. “Our facility was designed for events of this caliber, and it reflects our vision to be a destination for elite competition. We’re thrilled to welcome the future of soccer to Mesa this December and watch these rising stars shine.”

"We are thrilled that Mesa was selected to host MLS NEXT Fest at Arizona Athletic Grounds," said Marc Garcia, President and CEO of Visit Mesa. "Bringing an event of this magnitude to our city is a testament to Mesa's appeal as a top-tier destination for hosting high-level sporting competitions. We look forward to welcoming the participating teams and families whose stay will drive millions in economic impact across Mesa's hotels, restaurants and attractions."

Event Snapshot: 2025 MLS NEXT Fest

  • Dates: December 4-15, 2025

  • Venues: Arizona Athletic Grounds (Mesa); Reata Sports Complex, Bell94, Scottsdale Sports Complex (Scottsdale)

  • Scale: More than 1,300 teams from 200+ clubs (U13–U17, U-19), featuring 30,000+ players across 1,850 matches

About Arizona Sports & Events Alliance (the Alliance) 
The Arizona Sports & Events Alliance is the state’s lead organization dedicated to attracting, planning and hosting major events for Arizona. As Arizona’s front door for world-class sports, entertainment and commercial events, the Alliance unites civic, business, tourism, Native American and sports leaders with governing bodies to deliver exceptional experiences, fuel economic growth and elevate Arizona’s global profile. 

About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and inclusion, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both on and off the field. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. With the addition of the new MLS NEXT Academy Division in 2025, membership for the 2025-26 season will include 30 MLS academies, 244 Elite Academies (274 total clubs), 2,189 teams and over 43,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and Más+ by Messi. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.

About Arizona Athletic Grounds
Set on 275-acres, Arizona Athletic Grounds offers more than 150 courts and fields and over 475,000 square feet of fieldhouse space, making it one of the largest youth sports and entertainment complexes in North America. Our full-service facility welcomes millions of visitors annually and is your go-to destination for training, tournaments, leagues, camps, concerts, conferences, festivals and more. For more information visit our website, azgrounds.com, or contact our team at [email protected].