Most valuable franchises in MLS — and more

Major League Soccer has quietly grown into serious financial territory, where the top clubs are now worth close to or more than a billion dollars. The mix of new stadiums, bigger media deals, and star power has turned a once modest league into a global investment play. The Messi effect has only poured fuel on that fire, pulling more eyeballs, sponsors, and commercial partners into the league.

At the very top, a small group of teams has separated itself with strong brands, smart infrastructure projects, and ambitious ownership groups. They are not just local clubs anymore; they are trying to operate like global soccer properties. Here is a look at the five most valuable MLS franchises right now, based on recent Forbes valuations.

5. New York City FC

Estimated value: around $875 million

NYCFC sits in one of the richest sports markets in the world and benefits from the reach of City Football Group. A long-awaited, soccer-specific stadium project in Queens should unlock new revenue from premium seating, naming rights, and non-soccer events. That is why many expect New York City FC to cross the billion-dollar line once the stadium opens.

4. Atlanta United

Estimated value: around $975 million

From the moment Atlanta United entered the MLS, they felt like a super club. They pack Mercedes-Benz Stadium with huge crowds and rank near the top of the league in ticket revenue and matchday atmosphere. Even when results wobble, the size of their fan base and the strength of their commercial deals keep their valuation high.

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3. LA Galaxy

Estimated value: about $1 billion

The Galaxy is still the original glamour club of MLS, built on a history that runs from Landon Donovan and David Beckham to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Their valuation reflects a mature stadium, a long track record with sponsors, and a brand that still carries weight overseas. Even with LAFC grabbing some of the spotlight in recent years, the Galaxy remain one of the league’s financial anchors.

2. Los Angeles FC

Estimated value: roughly $1.25 to $1.3 billion

LAFC has been the pace setter on the business side, pairing a downtown stadium with a sharp, modern brand. Celebrity investors, strong ticket demand, and a run of competitive teams have made them a top draw for casual fans and partners. Their revenues sit near the top of MLS, which is why they consistently land near the top of any valuation list.

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1. Inter Miami CF

Estimated value: roughly $1.3 to $1.4 billion

Inter Miami has rocketed up the charts since Lionel Messi arrived. The club has seen surges in sponsorship revenue, shirt sales, international tours, and streaming interest, pushing its value past the rest of the league. In a short period, Miami has gone from a promising expansion side to the flagship business story of MLS.

What comes next for MLS values

With several clubs already worth close to or more than a billion dollars, franchise value has become one of the league’s key storylines. New stadiums, expansion markets, and the next wave of global stars will keep pushing those numbers higher. For owners, the formula is clear: control your stadium, build a strong local base, and think globally if you want to sit near the top of the valuation table.

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Barcelona are in one of their most difficult moments of the season, and head coach Hansi Flick is very aware of it. On Thursday, he called a meeting with his players to discuss where things have gone wrong, following back-to-back defeats against Atletico Madrid and Girona.

Eric Garcia, who started both matches, has now spoken to Tot Costa (via MD) on what was discussed during the hour-long discussion between Flick and the Barcelona players.

“We wanted to talk about what has happened (in the last week). The way we lost the first and then the second goal (vs Girona), everything is magnified. The Copa semi-final was very significant, and in Girona we lost the lead after taking the lead.

“It has been a positive meeting and we have all left happy. Since he arrived, we have had this style of play with the defensive line high. In La Liga we have conceded 23 or 24 goals and it is not a barbarity but in the Champions League they have been games with many goals. We know that with the style we have, the opponents know us. The key is that the other players make it easier for the defenders. We’ve been having a lot of turnovers lately that are killing us. In Girona, if instead of it happening 15 times, they do it six or seven… We’re human, but it’s about regaining control of the ball to find balance.”

Image via David Ramos/Getty Images

Eric: Barcelona can come back in La Liga and Copa del Rey

Despite the poor results in the last week, which have put Barcelona on the back foot in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Eric is of the belief that he and his teammates can turn things around.

“In La Liga we have been in worse situations. When we left the Bernabeu we were five points behind, but the league is very long and we depend on ourselves. In the Copa, I think it is possible to come back against Atlético. If we have shown anything, it is that we can achieve any result. If we score a quick goal, even if they close themselves in at the back, we can create danger for them.”

The national strategist announced the list of call-ups (all from Liga MX) to face the friendly match against Iceland that will be played in Querétaro.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, and it will be the first preparation game of the year leading up to the 2026 World Cup. 

Malagón, Rangel, and Acevedo will be the goalkeepers, while in defense there will be: Reyes, Ledezma, Campillo, Guzmán, Garza, López, and Gallardo.

In the midfield, the chosen ones are: Sánchez, Alexis Gutiérrez, Brian Gutiérrez, Lira, Rodríguez, García, and Ruiz. The forwards looking to earn a last-minute spot are: Efraín Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado, Armando González, and Guillermo Martínez.

What do you think of the list? Which player will join the Tricolor team to compete in the 2026 World Cup?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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