sports
MLS Teams Average $731 Million in Value, but Most Posted Operating Losses Last Year
Major League Soccer's 30 teams reached an average valuation of $731 million in July 2026. The figure marks growth from $185 million a decade earlier, driven by new venues and player signings. Forbes reported the data amid a league advertising campaign tied to the World Cup.
Jul 18, 6:30 AM·2m read1 source
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Major League Soccer franchises reached an average valuation of $731 million in July 2026, Forbes reported. The total reflects an increase from $185 million a decade ago and places seven MLS clubs among the world's 30 most valuable soccer teams. Inter Miami leads at $1.35 billion.
Sporting Kansas City sold earlier in 2026 for roughly $700 million. San Diego FC paid a record $500 million expansion fee to join as the 30th team in 2025. MLS clubs have opened nine soccer-specific stadiums since 2018, including Inter Miami's 26,700-seat Nu Stadium this spring.
Lionel Messi extended his Inter Miami contract through 2028 in October 2025. The club reported revenue growth from an estimated $56 million in 2022 to $200 million last season. LAFC signed Son Heung-min, Orlando City added Antoine Griezmann, and Chicago Fire acquired Robert Lewandowski.
Attendance averaged about 22,000 per game last year and through the first three months of 2026, down from a record 23,300 in 2024. Atlanta United FC led with 37,600 fans per match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Total live viewership across platforms rose to 7.9 million weekly in 2026 from 3.7 million the prior season.
MLS shortened its Apple TV agreement to end in 2029 after signing the original $2.5 billion, 10-year deal in 2022. Commissioner Don Garber said in an April 2026 interview that the direct-to-consumer model represents the future of sports consumption. Nineteen of 30 teams posted operating losses in 2025, Forbes estimates.
The Vancouver Whitecaps, valued at $445 million, have been for sale since 2024. A group led by Grant Gustavson bid in April 2026 to purchase and relocate the team to Las Vegas. John Fisher listed the San Jose Earthquakes last summer at a Forbes valuation of $550 million.
