COACHELLA VALLEY INVITATIONAL RETURNS AS PREMIER PRESEASON SOCCER EVENT FEATURING MLS AND NWSL CLUBS FEBRUARY 7-21
Passes Available Beginning Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PST
INDIO, CA (Oct. 15, 2025) – The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, from February 7–21, 2026, bringing together a number of professional men’s and women’s teams for the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, announced today. As one of the first major professional soccer events of the year leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, CVI is likely to feature Major League Soccer (MLS) players set to represent their countries on the world stage, heightening anticipation and excitement around the event.
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.
“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 dates will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT at www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com. CVI is Back pricing for General Admission Day Passes will start at just $30 and pricing for General Admission Weekend Passes (Feb 7-8 and Feb 14-15) will start at $59. All GA pricing will increase once the match schedule is released later this year. VIP Passes include preferred parking, access to the VIP Pavilion with lounge seating, unlimited food and refreshments (beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options), VIP restrooms, and shaded seating.
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.
“The Coachella Valley Invitational offers our clubs a world-class environment to prepare for the season, and our fans an up-close look at how teams are developing and training,” said Tatjana Haenni, Chief Sporting Direction for the National Women’s Soccer League. “It’s a chance to fine-tune tactics, integrate new players, and build excitement for another great year of NWSL action.”
New to CVI this year, the Denver Summit 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 make their CVI debuts. On the MLS side, Atlanta United FC is set to participate for the first time.[KK1]
“The Coachella Valley Invitational has quickly become one of soccer’s premier preseason events,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “AEG’s ability to deliver world-class experiences gives MLS clubs an incredible place to compete, train, and connect with fans in a setting unlike any other.”
The match schedule, additional clubs, and fan experience details will be announced in the coming weeks.
MLS clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
NWSL clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
EVENT SCHEDULE – Passes and Ticket Packages Available Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT
MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7
MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8
MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14
NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15
NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21
With more than 250 acres of lush gardens and pristine polo fields, Empire Polo Club stands among the premier venues for outdoor sporting events and executive gatherings. In addition to hosting the world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival, the site’s fields are operated by Goldenvoice, the Los Angeles–based concert promoter and live event company owned by AEG Presents.
Fans are encouraged to sign up at CoachellaValleyInvitational.com for CVI promotions and additional ticketing information and follow @coachellavalleyinvitational on Instagram for the latest updates.
Click HERE for Coachella Valley Invitational assets, including Empire Polo Club imagery, CVI logos and team logos. Additional details about the event, including media accreditation for the Coachella Valley Invitational, will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Coachella Velley Invitational
Developed and operated by AEG, The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) is the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history and in 2026 will feature several Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs playing preseason exhibition matches, training and holding organizational meetings at one site, leading up to the start of their seasons. The upcoming edition of the CVI is the largest integration between major men’s and women’s professional sports leagues in North America. The Empire Polo Club hosts a variety of special events, corporate meetings and private gatherings including the annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach country festival in Indio, CA. Open to the public, MLS preseason matches are set to take place February 7-14 with NWSL matches slated for February 15-21. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit coachellavalleyinvitational.com.
About AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments:
Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael Roth
Mroth@aegworldwide.com
Jamie Alvarez
jaalvarez@lagalaxy.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (Saturday, August 15, 2026) – The Portland Thorns continued their impressive home form with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pride on Saturday when forward Caiya Hanks — who was making her return to the pitch after missing action for over a year with an ACL injury — scored a stoppage time winner to secure three points for the home side.
Both sides battled back and forth as they tried to search for the opening goal, with Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold making three saves to ensure the match remained level going into the halftime break.
The Thorns came out into the second half much more threatening in Orlando’s half and finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when forward Pietra Tordin laid the ball off to forward Deyna Castellanos, who from the top right corner of Orlando’s box placed the ball perfectly into the top left corner of the goal over the hands of Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
The lead was short lived however when Arnold’s diving save to punch out a crossed ball in the 63rd minute ricocheted off the knees of Orlando forward Jacqueline Ovalle and rolled into the net to level things back up.
From there, Portland and Orlando continued in their fight to search for a second and despite several good looks at goal, the match remained level.
That would all change after Hanks — who subbed on in the 88th minute — curled the ball into the goal from outside the box in the 96th to send Providence Park into a frenzy as the Thorns secured three points and extended its home unbeaten streak to 12 matches, nine on the season.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns host Denver Summit FC for the first time at Providence Park on Saturday, August 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 pm PT on ION and 910 ESPN Portland. Purchase tickets for the match HERE.
TEAM NOTES
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
N/A
Second Half
POR – Deyna Castellanos (Pietra Tordin) 58’
ORL – Jacqueline Ovalle 63’
POR – Caiya Hanks (M.A. Vignola) 90+6’
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-2-3-1): Mackenzie Arnold (GK), M.A. Vignola, Jayden Perry, Isabella Obaze (Sam Hiatt 78’), Carolyn Calzada, Jessie Fleming-C, Nina Nijstad (Cassandra Bogere 85’), Pietra Tordin (Caiya Hanks 88’), Deyna Castellanos (Renee Lyles 78’), Marie Müller (Morgan Weaver 67’), Sophia Wilson
Subs not used: Morgan Messner (GK), Reyna Reyes, Shae Harvey, Mallie McKenzie
Orlando Pride (4-4-2): Anna Moorhouse (GK), Hailie Mace (Gabi Nunes 90+8’), Rafaelle (Zoe Matthews 89’), Cori Dyke, Oihane Hernández (Zara Chavoshi 76’), Solai Washington, Ally Lemos, Haley McCutcheon-C, Julie Doyle (Summer Yates 65’), Jacqueline Ovalle, Barbra Banda (Angelina 65’)
Subs not used: Cara Martin (GK), Cossette Morche, Luana, Nicole Payne
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: N/A
ORL: Jacqueline Ovalle (Yellow) 40’, Julie Doyle (Yellow) 52’, Rafaelle (Yellow) 85’
MATCH STATS
POR | ORL
Goals: 2|1
Assists: 2|0
Possession: 51|49
Shots: 10|12
Shots on Target: 4|6
Saves: 5|2
Tackles: 16|16
Tackles Won: 9|11
Interceptions: 14|26
Fouls: 7|6
Offsides: 0|1
Corner Kicks: 0|6
ATTENDANCE: 19,106
Referee: Brad Jensen
Assistant Referee 1: Katarzyna Wasiak
Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Gaddes
4th Official: Justin St. Pierre
VAR: Danielle Chesky
Assistant VAR: Seun Yinka-Kehinde
COACHELLA VALLEY INVITATIONAL RETURNS AS PREMIER PRESEASON SOCCER EVENT FEATURING MLS AND NWSL CLUBS FEBRUARY 7-21
Passes Available Beginning Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PST
INDIO, CA (Oct. 15, 2025) – The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, from February 7–21, 2026, bringing together a number of professional men’s and women’s teams for the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, announced today. As one of the first major professional soccer events of the year leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, CVI is likely to feature Major League Soccer (MLS) players set to represent their countries on the world stage, heightening anticipation and excitement around the event.
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.
“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 dates will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT at www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com. CVI is Back pricing for General Admission Day Passes will start at just $30 and pricing for General Admission Weekend Passes (Feb 7-8 and Feb 14-15) will start at $59. All GA pricing will increase once the match schedule is released later this year. VIP Passes include preferred parking, access to the VIP Pavilion with lounge seating, unlimited food and refreshments (beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options), VIP restrooms, and shaded seating.
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.
“The Coachella Valley Invitational offers our clubs a world-class environment to prepare for the season, and our fans an up-close look at how teams are developing and training,” said Tatjana Haenni, Chief Sporting Direction for the National Women’s Soccer League. “It’s a chance to fine-tune tactics, integrate new players, and build excitement for another great year of NWSL action.”
New to CVI this year, the Denver Summit 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 make their CVI debuts. On the MLS side, Atlanta United FC is set to participate for the first time.[KK1]
“The Coachella Valley Invitational has quickly become one of soccer’s premier preseason events,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “AEG’s ability to deliver world-class experiences gives MLS clubs an incredible place to compete, train, and connect with fans in a setting unlike any other.”
The match schedule, additional clubs, and fan experience details will be announced in the coming weeks.
MLS clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
NWSL clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
EVENT SCHEDULE – Passes and Ticket Packages Available Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT
MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7
MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8
MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14
NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15
NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21
With more than 250 acres of lush gardens and pristine polo fields, Empire Polo Club stands among the premier venues for outdoor sporting events and executive gatherings. In addition to hosting the world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival, the site’s fields are operated by Goldenvoice, the Los Angeles–based concert promoter and live event company owned by AEG Presents.
Fans are encouraged to sign up at CoachellaValleyInvitational.com for CVI promotions and additional ticketing information and follow @coachellavalleyinvitational on Instagram for the latest updates.
Click HERE for Coachella Valley Invitational assets, including Empire Polo Club imagery, CVI logos and team logos. Additional details about the event, including media accreditation for the Coachella Valley Invitational, will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Coachella Velley Invitational
Developed and operated by AEG, The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) is the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history and in 2026 will feature several Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs playing preseason exhibition matches, training and holding organizational meetings at one site, leading up to the start of their seasons. The upcoming edition of the CVI is the largest integration between major men’s and women’s professional sports leagues in North America. The Empire Polo Club hosts a variety of special events, corporate meetings and private gatherings including the annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach country festival in Indio, CA. Open to the public, MLS preseason matches are set to take place February 7-14 with NWSL matches slated for February 15-21. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit coachellavalleyinvitational.com.
About AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments:
Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael Roth
Mroth@aegworldwide.com
Jamie Alvarez
jaalvarez@lagalaxy.com
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