MLS intensity - how does it compare to Europe’s Big Five leagues?
Major League Soccer (MLS) has long been considered a developing league, but recent physical data suggests that its intensity is rapidly increasing. With an influx of talent from South America and Europe, MLS is showing signs of closing the gap with Europe's top five leagues, but how does it compare?
One key metric used to evaluate intensity is high-speed runs (HSRC), which measure how often a player moves between 20-25 km/h. While not a perfect indicator, this statistic provides a solid benchmark for physical output and the league's overall pace of play.
The MLS data has been taken from the regular season only and is benchmarked across European leagues this season, as of 11/03/25. This article is based purely on PFF FC physical metrics.
High-Speed Runs: How MLS Stacks Up
The average high-speed run count (HSRC) per 90 minutes across Europe’s Big Five leagues (Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, and Ligue 1) this season is 673.60.
In 2023, MLS teams averaged 586 HSRC per 90 minutes, which was 13% lower than Europe’s top leagues. However, in 2024, that number surged to 643 HSRC per 90, marking a 9.70% increase year over year.
A particularly interesting case is CF Montreal, which averaged only 502.26 HSRC per 90 in 2024. If removed from the dataset, the league-wide average jumps to 647.95 HSRC per 90—just 2.4% below the Premier League’s 664.0. Ten teams in MLS last season averaged more HSRC per 90 than the Premier League average of 664.
In the graphic below, you can see that MLS still isn’t quite at the level of Europe’s elite, but they are closing the gap year over year.
Sprint Count: MLS Making Big Strides
Beyond high-speed runs, sprints (measured when a player exceeds 25 km/h) offer another useful indicator of intensity.
The average sprint count (SPRC) per 90 across Europe's Big Five leagues this season is 180.40.
Similar to HSRC, MLS has made significant gains in sprint metrics. In 2023, the league averaged 159.80 SPRC per 90, 11.4% lower than Europe's elite leagues. However, in 2024, that number climbed to 176.14, a 10.22% increase year over year.
New York City FC are the sprint kings in MLS, averaging 227.80 sprints per 90 in 2024. This would rank first in the Premier League this season, edging out Tottenham Hotspur (221.40) and Bournemouth (216.62) who are renowned for their high intensity football.
Remarkably, this league wide improvement now places MLS above Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga in sprint count per 90, indicating that the league is rapidly closing in on the intensity levels of Europe's best competitions.
What Does This Mean for MLS?
Increased European Interest in MLS Players - As the league's physical metrics align more closely with Europe, top European clubs may be more inclined to scout and acquire MLS players, knowing they can handle the demands of top-tier football.
Attracting Younger European Talent - With MLS improving in both intensity and playing standards, younger European players may be more willing to join the league, seeing it as a viable destination for development rather than just a pre-retirement stop.
A More Competitive Global League - These trends suggest that MLS is moving toward becoming a more competitive league on the global stage. With intensity levels rising, the gap between MLS and Europe's top five leagues is shrinking, making for an exciting future.
Conclusion
While MLS still has ground to cover before consistently matching Europe’s elite leagues, the data shows clear and rapid improvement. The league’s rise in high-speed runs and sprints per 90 minutes highlights an increasing physical demand that is bringing MLS closer to the intensity levels seen in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. If this trend continues, and technical play can improve at the same pace as physical output, MLS may soon be considered on par with some of the best leagues in the world.