Inter Miami become MLS' most valuable club at $1.45bn
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The Florida-based side now leads a group of five teams valued at more than $1 billion, as total MLS franchise worth climbs to a combined $23 billion across 30 clubs.
Key takeaways
- Inter Miami are valued at $1.45bn, the highest in MLS
- Five MLS clubs are now worth over $1bn
- Total league valuation stands at $23bn
- Average franchise value has reached $767m
- Inter Miami's value has more than doubled since 2023
- Revenue at the club could hit $250m by 2026
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Read This Next →Inter Miami's meteoric financial rise
Miami were valued at just $585 million before the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023.Since then, the club's valuation has surged by more than 140%.
Messi's signing transformed Miami's commercial appeal globally, driving:
- Record sponsorship growth
- Expanded international media coverage
- Increased ticket demand
- Merchandise sales worldwide
The ownership group, led by David Beckham, has successfully positioned the club as the league's global flagship brand.
MLS' top five most valuable clubs
According to Sportico, the top five MLS clubs by valuation are:- Inter Miami - $1.45bn
- Los Angeles FC - $1.4bn
- LA Galaxy - $1.17bn
- Atlanta United - $1.14bn
- New York City FC - $1.12bn
League growth: Average franchise now worth $767m
The average MLS club is now valued at $767 million, representing a 39% increase compared to Sportico's 2021 valuations.Collectively, MLS franchises are worth $23 billion - underlining steady growth fuelled by:
- Expansion fees
- Infrastructure investment
- International player signings
- Commercial partnerships
Growing financial disparity across MLS
Miami's $1.45 billion valuation is 3.4 times higher than that of CF Montréal, who are valued at $480 million.Such disparity highlights widening financial gaps between top-tier MLS markets and smaller clubs.
Unlike the NFL or NBA, MLS does not yet benefit from large-scale national broadcast distributions.
Under the league's agreement with Apple Inc., teams reportedly net around $5 million annually after production costs.
For comparison, NHL teams reportedly receive around $40 million per year in broadcast revenue.
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Read This Next →Ownership challenges in smaller markets
Despite rising franchise valuations, not all MLS clubs are attractive to investors.Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes have both faced reported difficulties in attracting buyers.
Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster revealed that dozens of interested groups reviewed the club's financial data - yet none proceeded with an offer.
We had like more than 30, almost 40 groups who signed an NDA and went into our data room and did a full analysis on our situation.His comments underscore investor caution in certain MLS markets where long-term growth potential appears limited.
Not one single one is interested in buying even 1% of this club, because all of them think that our setup here, the market and the situation we are in is not something where you can invest.
What this means for MLS ahead of 2026
MLS is clearly expanding in financial stature, particularly with the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across North America.Miami's rapid rise demonstrates the commercial impact a global superstar can have on franchise value.
The challenge for MLS now is ensuring:
- Competitive balance remains intact
- Smaller markets remain viable
- Broadcast revenue grows sustainably
- Financial growth translates to on-field quality
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