Top 10 most valuable MLS clubs in 2026

Major League Soccer is booming in 2026 like never before. What started as a modest league in 1996 has grown into one of the fastest-rising soccer competitions in the world. Over the past three decades, MLS has steadily expanded its number of teams, strengthened its fan base across the United States and Canada, and increased its global reputation.

A big part of that growth has come from the arrival of international stars such as David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lionel Messi. Their presence brought worldwide attention, packed stadiums, and new commercial opportunities. At the same time, high-profile owners like Matthew McConaughey, Will Ferrell, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have added star power and financial backing that further boosted the league’s visibility and credibility.

The financial growth has been remarkable. The average MLS club is now worth around $767 million, and five teams have crossed the $1 billion mark. With rising franchise values, expanding fan engagement, and increasing global recognition, MLS is no longer just a growing league — it has become a major force in international soccer.

Here are the top 10 most valuable MLS clubs in 2026

10. San Diego FC ($765 million)

San Diego FC, the newest club in Major League Soccer, is already making waves. In just its first season, the Western Conference team climbed to 10th in league valuations—surpassing 20 established clubs—and is now valued at an impressive $765 million.

Despite being only one of four MLS teams based in California, San Diego quickly built a strong and loyal fan base. The club’s success on the field also played a big role in its rapid rise. After winning its division in the regular season, the team advanced all the way to the Western Conference final, earning a substantial cash bonus along the way.

For a brand-new franchise, it’s a remarkable start—both competitively and financially.

9. FC Cincinnati ($790 million)

FC Cincinnati are next on the list, valued at $790 million. The Orange and Blue saw their valuation rise by 9% compared to last season, showing steady growth. Even so, they still rank just ninth among the richest teams in Major League Soccer.

One challenge for the Eastern Conference side is the lack of a high-profile star who can draw attention beyond the local fanbase. A marquee name often helps boost ticket sales, sponsorships, and national visibility. On top of that, the club has yet to win the MLS Cup, meaning both prize money and added prestige are still within reach.

8. Columbus Crew ($800 million)

Unlike Columbus Crew, who know what it feels like to lift an MLS Cup, FC Cincinnati are still chasing that first championship moment. The Crew haven’t added another title in recent years, but there’s still plenty for the club to celebrate.

Despite finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference last season and exiting in the first round of the playoffs, Columbus saw its valuation climb 10% to an impressive $800 million. That kind of growth during a relatively average season says a lot about the strength of the organization and its market.

If a so-so year can produce numbers like that, imagine what a deep playoff run—or even another title—could mean, especially in a World Cup year when soccer interest is at its peak. For Columbus, the upside looks even bigger than the trophy case.

7. Austin FC ($910 million)

For most MLS clubs, being the seventh-richest team in the league would be a major achievement. But for Austin FC, it actually feels like a step back. After finishing sixth the previous season, they’ve now been overtaken by the Seattle Sounders.

Austin’s valuation now sits at $910 million — just a modest 5% increase — which is relatively slow growth for a Western Conference club with big ambitions. While they remain outside the league’s top five, many expected them to close the gap on high-profile teams like Inter Miami and LAFC, especially with Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey involved as a minority owner.

Instead of gaining ground, Austin appears to be losing momentum compared to some of MLS’s biggest names.

6. Seattle Sounders ($915 million)

The Seattle Sounders have climbed into sixth place in the Western Conference, a spot previously held by Austin FC. Valued at $915 million, the 2019 MLS Cup champions are now the third-richest club in the Western Conference.

It was a frustrating 2025 season for Seattle, ending with a Round 1 playoff loss to Minnesota United FC. Still, the club saw major financial gains off the field. Their appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup brought in more than $9.6 million, and they added another $2 million by winning the Leagues Cup in 2025.

5. NYCFC ($1.12 billion)

After growing 12% in value over the past year, New York City FC now ranks fifth overall, with a valuation of $1.12 billion. That milestone makes them the first of five Major League Soccer clubs to reach a net worth of at least $1 billion — a significant achievement for the league.

As the only MLS team based in New York City, NYCFC benefits from a large and loyal fan base spread across all five boroughs. Off the field, the club also has powerful backing. They are co-owned by the New York Yankees and City Football Group, the same ownership group behind Manchester City. Even before a ball is kicked, that kind of ownership gives NYCFC a major advantage in business, branding, and global reach — a winning formula in the boardroom as well as on the pitch.

4. Atlanta United ($1.14 billion)

Atlanta United FC, based in one of the country’s biggest markets, is now valued at $1.14 billion. That represents a 6% increase from the previous year, although the club still remains fourth in overall MLS valuations.

Much of Atlanta’s success comes down to its passionate fan base. Week after week, supporters pack out Mercedes-Benz Stadium, creating one of the best atmospheres in Major League Soccer. Record-breaking crowds have become the norm in Georgia, and the club has grown into a major part of the city’s sports identity—often mentioned in the same breath as other established Atlanta franchises, something few MLS teams can claim.

3. LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion)

The 2025 season may have quieted any doubts about the strength and scale of the LA Galaxy brand. On the field, it was a rough year. Just one season after winning the MLS Cup, the team struggled badly, finishing second-to-last in the Western Conference with only 30 points from 34 matches.

But off the field, it was a very different story.

Despite the disappointing results, the LA Galaxy increased their overall valuation by 5%, bringing it to an impressive $1.17 billion. That growth reflects more than just one season’s performance. The club’s rich history, strong sponsorship deals, global recognition, and long record of success have helped cement its place as one of Major League Soccer’s three most valuable franchises.

In other words, while the team may have stumbled on the pitch, the LA Galaxy brand remains as powerful as ever.

2. LAFC ($1.4 billion)

The difference in valuation between the LA Galaxy and their rivals, Los Angeles FC, is only about $3 million. Valued at an impressive $1.4 billion, the 2022 MLS Cup champions, Los Angeles FC, are currently the richest team in the Western Conference and would have the financial power to pursue a blockbuster signing like Son Heung-min in a record-breaking deal.

Surprisingly, despite those huge numbers, LAFC’s valuation has actually dipped compared to last season, when they ranked as the most valuable club in all of Major League Soccer. Still, if the Black and Gold make smart decisions both on the pitch and behind the scenes, lifting the MLS Cup again in 2026 could help them reclaim the top spot as the league’s most valuable team.

1. Inter Miami ($1.45 billion)

Was there ever any doubt? With a valuation of $1.45 billion, Inter Miami is officially Major League Soccer’s richest team. The club’s remarkable performance over the past year has pushed its value up by an eye-popping 22%.

The Herons earned nearly $21.1 million just for qualifying for the 2025 Club World Cup knockout stage—and picked up an extra $300,000 for winning the MLS Cup. Over the past year, the Eastern Conference powerhouse has set the standard in MLS, thanks to the combined star power of co-owner David Beckham, superstar Lionel Messi, and a passionate fan base in South Florida.

Cover Credits - ESPN