Can MLS grow its fanbase by ‘doing a Wrexham’?

The Welsh club has enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to its starring role in a docuseries. But TV coverage doesn't necessarily guarantee success

The US is a popular destination for touring European soccer teams, but the country has never welcomed a team like Wrexham before. The Welsh club will travel across the Atlantic this summer to take part in a series of events that could reportedly include friendly matches against Chelsea and Manchester United. There may be as many Paul Mullin shirts as Marcus Rashford ones.

Mullin and his teammates are well known to anyone who has watched FX's Welcome to Wrexham TV docuseries. The show, which details Ryan Reynolds and Robert McElhenney's escapades as owners of the team, has thrust the European lower leagues into the American mainstream. Wrexham's matches are now a regular draw on US TV - their first match on ESPN2 earlier this season easily outperformed MLS coverage on Fox Sports on the same day.