April 10 – Major League Soccer (MLS) and its youth league initiative MLS NEXT are putting their money where their mouth is by broadcasting the 2025 Generation adidas Cup featuring premier international youth teams.
The 2025 edition of the tournament will feature 80 sides, representing 14 different countries and four continents. International powerhouses FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Palmeiras will be among the clubs competing against MLS academies at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, from April 12-20.
The 80 teams will be split evenly across the U18 and U16 age groups and will include four MLS NEXT Elite Academies (non-MLS academies).
Additionally, as part of MLS NEXT’s strategic alliance with the Girls Academy, the 2025 Generation adidas Cup will feature two of the best international girls’ clubs in the world – FC Bayern Munich and Manchester City FC – squaring off in the U16 age group.
Twenty-eight Generation adidas Cup games, including the championship matches in both age groups, will stream live on MLS’ YouTube page.
The 12 broadcast group matches will feature MLS academies against international clubs, while the remaining games will include select Round of 16 and Quarterfinal matchups, along with all Semi-Final and Championship matches. Calen Carr, Katie Goodman, AJ Ricketts, and Michael Wottreng will be the broadcasters for the tournament.
Additionally, for the first time in the event’s history, four MLS NEXT Elite Academies have qualified for the Generation adidas Cup by reaching the finals of a single-elimination tournament at MLS NEXT Fest in December 2024.
MLS Senior Vice President of Sporting Development Ali Curtis said: “Generation adidas Cup showcases MLS’ successful player development pathway on the global stage as MLS academies compete against the world’s best.
“The quality of international competition and introduction of a new girls’ competition in 2025 further showcase MLS’ and adidas’ commitment to making Generation adidas Cup the top youth tournament in the world.”
Zola Short, Senior Director of Soccer Sports Marketing, adidas North America added:
“Our partnership with Major League Soccer is central to our growth plans for the sport of soccer in North America. We are committed as a brand to growth at all levels of the game, none more so than at the youth level, which is why we look forward to a marquee event like Generation adidas Cup every year.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1744694372labto1744694372ofdlr1744694372owedi1744694372sni@r1744694372etsbe1744694372w.kci1744694372n1744694372