A new Major League Soccer season is upon us, and all eyes are on the early favorites to hoist the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, the most prestigious award in MLS, as Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF squad kick off the season.
After a disappointing 2024 season in which Inter Miami CF lost to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs, the team underwent multiple changes to enhance the roster’s depth and made a coaching change. New head coach Javier Mascherano has taken over from Gerardo ‘Tato’ Martino, signing a contract through 2027, signifying a new era for the team in Miami.
Los Angeles FC is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming MLS Cup. After a successful rebuilding phase, LAFC now boasts an outstanding roster, including Olivier Giroud, Carlos Vela, Aaron Long, and Timothy Tillman, among others. This strong lineup makes them a close second in odds to win the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, sparking excitement for the season ahead.
Here are the MLS Power Rankings by odds as the 2025 season kicks off.
MLS Power Rankings by odds
Odds according to BetMGM.
Inter Miami CF: +350
Inter Miami CF is boosting an impressive roster that includes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and others as they head into the season opener against NYCFC as the early favorites to win it all.
Los Angeles FC (+550)
Los Angeles FC heads into the upcoming MLS Cup as heavy favorites. LAFC now boasts an outstanding roster both new faces along with veterans, including Olivier Giroud, Carlos Vela, Aaron Long, and Timothy Tillman, among others. This strong lineup makes them a top contenders for the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
Los Angeles Galaxy (+700)
The defending MLS Cup champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy, are heading into the 30th season on a high note after claiming their sixth title last season. The team will have to aim for a repeat without their star player, Riqui Puig, who is out for a majority of the season with a ACL injury.
Columbus Crew (+900)
After a disappointing playoff performance last season, where they fell in the first round, Columbus Crew hopes to achieve a better outcome this year. However, they will be without Cucho Hernandez, who left Columbus to join Real Betis.
FC Cincinnati (+900)
FC Cincinnati holds +900 odds to win the MLS Cup after making significant signings, including midfielder Evander from Portland and striker Kevin Denkey for record-breaking fees. The team hopes these additions will help them improve upon their previous season’s performance, where they finished third in the Eastern Conference and fifth overall in the Supporters’ Shield standings.