MLS and NWSL clubs to return to Indio for Coachella Valley Invitational in February
Jesus Reyes
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – MLS and NWSL clubs will return to the iconic Empire Polo Club in Indio this coming February for the Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI).
The CVI is the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history. This year marks the fourth year of the event, but it could be the biggest with the potential participation of Korean superstar Son Heung-min of LAFC.
Orgaziners AEG noted that, as one of the first major professional soccer events of the year and leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, CVI is likely to feature numerous Major League Soccer (MLS) players set to represent their countries on the world stage.
With the support of MLS and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the 2026 edition of CVI will host players, coaches, and executives from participating clubs for preseason matches, training sessions, and organizational meetings at the iconic venue.
2025 Season: CVI Match Day 2 on February 8,2025. Photo by Robert Mora/LA Galaxy.
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“AEG is proud to once again partner with MLS and the NWSL to bring the best of professional soccer to the Coachella Valley,” said Dan Beckerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEG. “Through Goldenvoice and the LA Galaxy, we’re thrilled to transform one of the world’s most iconic festival settings into a showcase for the sport, the players, and the fans.”
Passes for all competition dates will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT at www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com.
In addition to providing MLS and NWSL clubs an unparalleled environment to prepare for their upcoming 2026 seasons in optimal weather and world-class facilities, CVI will once again offer fans an intimate and immersive opportunity to see some of the sport’s most decorated players and rising stars in action. Fans can also look forward to unique activations and experiences throughout the two-week event.
“Building upon our collaboration with AEG, the Coachella Valley Invitational has become an important platform for our clubs to prepare collectively and showcase the continued growth of the women’s game,” said NWSL Senior Director of Sporting Sarah Gregorius. “We’re looking forward to another productive preseason and the chance for our teams to build momentum ahead of the NWSL’s next campaign.”
New to CVI this year, the Denver Summit FC will make their first-ever NWSL appearances as they prepare for their inaugural season, while the Kansas City Current, Utah Royals, and North Carolina Courage will also be making their CVI debuts. On the MLS side, Atlanta United FC is set to participate for the first time.
“Coaches and players consistently point to the high-quality facilities, professional environment, and unique setting as ideal for preseason preparations,” said Nelson Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Sporting Product and Competition for MLS. “With 2026 set to be a landmark year for soccer in North America, CVI is an exceptional way for global futbol fans and MLS clubs to kick off the season.”
Additional clubs, the match schedule, and fan experience details will be announced in the coming weeks.
MLS clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
Austin FC
Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC
D.C. United
LAFC
LA Galaxy (pending Concacaf schedule)
Minnesota United FC
New York City FC
Portland Timbers
San Diego FC
San Jose Earthquakes
Sporting Kansas City
St. Louis CITY SC
NWSL clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
Angel City FC
Denver Summit FC
Houston Dash
Portland Thorns FC
San Diego Wave FC
Seattle Reign FC
EVENT SCHEDULE – Passes and Ticket Packages Available Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT
MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7
NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15
MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8
NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21
MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.