Parts of this article (those related to 2023 and 2024 results) need to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(February 2024)
The tournament was announced on January 18, 2022, by the LA Galaxy and the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the owner of the team and the Empire Polo Club. The company had sought new events for the Empire Polo Club, the host of the annual Coachella music and arts festival as well as polo, during its lower-demand months. AEG chief executive Dan Beckerman proposed an MLS preseason tournament that emulated spring training for baseball teams; the LA Galaxy had previously declined requests to host preseason tournaments at their training facilities in Carson, California, due to inadequate space.[1] The first edition of the event was held behind closed doors and had six teams.[2][3]
The second edition in February 2023 featured 12 MLS teams and a USL Championship side—San Diego Loyal FC.[4] Ticket sales were opened for matches and teams were each assigned a groundskeeper to fulfill requests from coaching staff.[1][5] The 2024 edition drew 30,000 fans and was expanded by a week to accommodate its larger field of 18 teams—including four from the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).[1][6] A limit of 5,000 spectators for each of the seven match days was set for the tournament, during which teams played a minimum of two public matches and had the option of scheduling additional fixtures behind closed doors.[7]
The 2025 edition will take place over a three-week period in February and include fourteen MLS teams and six from the NWSL.[7] The Empire Polo Grounds has two fields that will be used during the tournament.[8]
Source: [citation needed] Rules for classification: 1) points per game; 2) total wins per match played; 3) total goal differential per match played; 4) total goals scored per match played; 5) fewest disciplinary points per match played; 6) away goal differential per away match played; 7) away goals scored per away match played; 8) home goal differential per home match played; 9) home goals scored per home match played; 10) coin toss or drawing of lots.
Source: [citation needed] Rules for classification: 1) points per game; 2) total wins per match played; 3) total goal differential per match played; 4) total goals scored per match played; 5) fewest disciplinary points per match played; 6) away goal differential per away match played; 7) away goals scored per away match played; 8) home goal differential per home match played; 9) home goals scored per home match played; 10) coin toss or drawing of lots.
