The salary gap between MLS and the English Premier League remains substantial. The average MLS salary of $400,000-$450,000 is roughly one-tenth of the Premier League average, which exceeds $4.5 million. Even top MLS earners like Lionel Messi ($20.4M) would rank among middle-tier Premier League salaries.
This disparity reflects the different economic models of the two leagues. The Premier League operates without a salary cap, allowing wealthy clubs to spend freely on talent. MLS's single-entity structure and salary cap prioritize competitive balance over individual club spending. However, the gap has been narrowing as MLS revenue grows, particularly with the Apple TV broadcasting deal. Total spending in MLS has increased dramatically, and the league now retains talent that would have previously left for European opportunities.