Photo by Karsten Winegeart
Forbes recently ranked the MLS clubs by value, drawing from data from the previous season. According to the numbers, soccer is growing more popular in the United States by the day and is projected to maintain this trajectory. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by North America and Mexico, will definitely also help things along. That aside, however, here is a look at the valuations for each team and the current state of MLS.
MLS Team Valuations Over the Years
Forbes ranks the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) as the most valuable MLS club this year, with an estimated worth of $1 billion. Nine years ago, the club joined the league for a mere $110 million expansion fee and was only worth $475 million in 2019.
This stellar financial growth is proof of the strides the MLS is making. Founded in 1996 with only ten teams, it currently has a 28-team membership, with St. Louis City SC joining this season. The average team valuation, which was $313 million in 2019, has also risen to $579 million.
But what exactly is driving this ascent? Experts believe soccer is becoming more popular in the US due to increased investments, visibility, and marketing. The MLS just signed a million-dollar deal with Apple. Additionally, more Americans are engaging in sports betting and placing frequent soccer betway wagers – a fun aspect of the game that has helped increase the popularity of many sports.
The Numbers
The LAFC topped the Forbes list, with their $1 billion valuation making them the first billion-dollar franchise in the league. The L.A. Galaxy followed with a $925 net worth, followed closely by Atlanta United, New York City FC, and D.C United in the top five.
Forbes used transaction data from recent seasons, interviewed team executives, industry insiders, and investors, and reviewed public financial information to produce this list. Here are the rankings for the top 10 most valuable teams in the MLS:
| Rank | Club Name | Net Worth |
| No. 1 | Los Angeles Football Club | $1 Billion |
| No. 2 | LA Galaxy | $925 Million |
| No. 3 | Atlanta United FC | $850 Million |
| No. 4 | New York City FC | $800 Million |
| No. 5 | D.C United | $700 Million |
| No. 6 | Toronto FC | $690 Million |
| No. 7 | Austin FC | $680 Million |
| No. 8 | Seattle Sounders FC | $660 Million |
| No. 9 | Portland Timbers | $650 Million |
| No. 10 | Charlotte FC | $625 Million |
The rest of the teams follow each other in this order: Inter Miami CF ($600 million); Sporting Kansas City ($590 million); Philadelphia Union ($575 million); FC Cincinnati ($560 million); Columbus Crew ($550 million); Minnesota United FC ($540 million); New York Red Bulls ($525 million); Nashville SC ($500 million); New England Revolution ($475 million); San Jose Earthquakes ($450 million); Real Salt Lake ($440 million); Houston Dynamo FC ($435 million); Chicago Fire FC ($425 million); Orlando City SC ($420 million); Vancouver Whitecaps FC ($410 million); FC Dallas ($400 million); CF Montréal ($375 million);
The Colorado Rapids closed the list at number 28 with a $350 million net worth.
Final Thoughts
The numbers are certainly impressive, especially compared to previous valuations. But are they enough to propel American soccer to European soccer level? More than half the MLS clubs operate on a loss, and the league has a $55 million average annual revenue. In contrast, Manchester United is worth $4.6 billion, which translates to 6.9 times revenue. The only way to gauge the future of MLS is to follow how Americans continue to perceive soccer. The 2026 World Cup might be the final push the country needs.
