Coachella Valley Invitational Brings MLS Preseason to Life

12 MLS teams gather in California for competitive training ahead of 2026 season

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Coachella Valley Invitational, inspired by MLB spring training, has become the MLS equivalent - a centralized location where 12 top teams gather to prepare for the upcoming season. Hosted on the 1,000-acre Empire Polo Club fields owned by AEG, the event features competitive matches, state-of-the-art training facilities, and unparalleled access for fans to interact with players.

Why it matters

The Coachella Valley Invitational provides a unique opportunity for MLS teams to train together in a competitive environment ahead of the regular season. It allows coaches and players to evaluate their teams, scout opponents, and build chemistry - all while giving fans an early glimpse of the action. As MLS transitions to a spring-to-spring schedule in 2027, the tournament's future is uncertain, making this year's edition particularly significant.

The details

The Coachella Valley Invitational features 12 MLS teams competing on two regulation-size fields, with a total capacity of 3,500 seats per field. Beyond the matchday fields, the 1,000-acre Empire Polo Club site includes 27 additional training fields and state-of-the-art facilities like individual team gyms. The event, which first launched in 2021, has grown to include 9 NWSL teams as well. Maintaining the pristine playing surfaces is a year-round effort, with the groundskeeping staff facing challenges like concert events that impact the fields.

  • The Coachella Valley Invitational first kicked off in 2021.
  • The 2026 edition of the tournament is currently underway.

The players

Kara Korber

Senior Director, Sports Business Development at AEG and the LA Galaxy, who oversees the Coachella Valley Invitational.

Gregg Berhalter

Head coach of the Chicago Fire and former US men's national team bench boss, who praised the centralized, competitive nature of the tournament.

Cameron Knowles

Head coach of Minnesota United FC, who lauded the fantastic setup and extra accountability of playing in front of fans.

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What they’re saying

“Well, this is centralized, where you have 12 teams. You don't really see that in Europe. Instead, the teams go to their little private training camps. I remember when I played there, we would always go to Austria in the summer or to Türkiye or Dubai in the winter, and there were never many teams. So, this is great. You get to see what other teams are doing, and you get to be in touch with other people.”

— Gregg Berhalter, Head coach, Chicago Fire (Transfermarkt)

“It's a fantastic setup, for everyone to have their own training fields, the size of the place, to be able to accommodate all these teams here. They do a fantastic job. I think there is an extra level of accountability when you play in front of fans as well. Having that element just heightens things. There is a reason why so many teams come.”

— Cameron Knowles, Head coach, Minnesota United FC (Transfermarkt)

What’s next

AEG is exploring ways to continue hosting the Coachella Valley Invitational even after MLS transitions to a spring-to-spring schedule in 2027, potentially shifting the event to take place during the league's mid-winter break.

The takeaway

The Coachella Valley Invitational has become a unique and valuable part of the MLS preseason, providing a centralized, competitive training environment that rivals MLB's spring training. As the league evolves, the tournament's organizers are committed to finding ways to preserve this innovative event that benefits teams and engages fans.