Teams in Major League Soccer (MLS) are making major waves in the global football world. According to a new ranking released by Sportico, 19 out of the 50 most valuable soccer clubs in the world are from the MLS. This is a huge milestone for American soccer, proving that the sport’s popularity and financial strength are growing rapidly in the United States.
The report shows that the global value of soccer clubs continues to rise, but it also highlights how American teams are building strong business models. While traditional European powerhouses still dominate the top of the list, MLS clubs are quickly climbing.
MLS’s Rise in Global Soccer
The MLS has often been seen as an underdog compared to Europe’s top leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. But in recent years, things have changed. Big-name players, new stadiums, smart marketing strategies, and huge investments have pushed many MLS clubs into the spotlight.
In the Sportico report, top MLS clubs are now worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Leading the pack is Los Angeles FC, which was ranked as the most valuable MLS team, worth approximately $1.2 billion. Other valuable MLS teams include Atlanta United, LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, and Seattle Sounders.
These teams are not just playing well—they are strong businesses. Revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and media rights is growing. MLS is becoming more than a league; it’s a global brand.
Why MLS Teams Are Gaining Value
Several key factors are helping MLS clubs rise in value:
1. Big Investments
Many clubs are backed by wealthy owners and investment groups. These investors are pouring money into training facilities, stadiums, and marketing campaigns to grow fan bases.
2. Star Players
Big-name players like Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami brought international attention to the league. These stars attract millions of fans and bring in merchandise and broadcasting revenue.
3. Youth Development
MLS clubs are focusing more on training young talent. With better academies, clubs can grow players instead of always buying from abroad. Some are even selling their young stars to European clubs, making profits in the process.
4. Media and Streaming Deals
The recent deal with Apple TV to stream every MLS match worldwide is a game-changer. The deal brings in revenue and allows fans across the globe to follow their favorite teams, boosting the league’s international presence. Learn more about the MLS–Apple deal here.
Full List: The Top 50 Most Valuable Soccer Clubs in 2024
Below are the top 10 clubs from the Sportico list. You can view the full top 50 list here:
| Rank | Club | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid (La Liga) | $6.6 Billion |
| 2 | Manchester United (EPL) | $6.55 Billion |
| 3 | FC Barcelona (La Liga) | $5.6 Billion |
| 4 | Liverpool FC (EPL) | $5.37 Billion |
| 5 | Manchester City (EPL) | $5.1 Billion |
| 6 | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | $4.8 Billion |
| 7 | Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1) | $4.3 Billion |
| 8 | Chelsea FC (EPL) | $3.7 Billion |
| 9 | Arsenal FC (EPL) | $3.6 Billion |
| 10 | Tottenham Hotspur (EPL) | $3.2 Billion |
Among the MLS clubs in the top 50, these made the cut:
- Los Angeles FC
- LA Galaxy
- Atlanta United
- Inter Miami CF
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Toronto FC
- New York City FC
- Portland Timbers
- Sporting Kansas City
- Orlando City SC
- Austin FC
- New England Revolution
- FC Cincinnati
- Columbus Crew
- St. Louis City SC
- Minnesota United FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- Nashville SC
- Real Salt Lake
These clubs’ values range from $400 million to over $1 billion, depending on their fan base, media revenue, stadium ownership, and market presence.
What This Means for the Future of MLS
Having 19 clubs among the top 50 is a big sign that MLS is on the right path. The league still has room to grow, especially when compared to older European leagues. But the foundation is strong.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to give another big push to soccer in North America. More fans, more investment, and global attention are expected, helping clubs grow even faster.
Soccer is no longer just a European or South American passion. The United States is becoming a major player in the global soccer business. If the growth continues, we could soon see an MLS club break into the top 10 most valuable teams worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The latest rankings prove that MLS is more than just a growing league—it’s becoming a financial powerhouse in the world of soccer. From smart management to global stars and major deals, MLS clubs are showing they belong at the top.
As we look ahead to the next decade, the message is clear: MLS is here to stay, and it’s only going up.
Also read – Why Buyers Are Backing Off Even As Rates Stay Low
