Inter Miami have claimed the title of Major League Soccer’s most valuable club, with a league-high valuation of $1.45 billion, according to the latest Sportico MLS figures. They surpass LAFC ($1.4B) as one of five MLS teams now worth over $1 billion, contributing to a total league valuation of $23 billion across 30 franchises — reflecting the league’s ongoing growth.
Messi-fueled financial surge
Sportico’s data highlights Inter Miami’s dramatic rise from a pre-Messi valuation of $585 million. Revenue projections suggest the club could reach $250 million by 2026 — a 75 percent increase — unmatched by any other MLS side.
League-wide growth
The average franchise value now sits at $767 million, with total MLS franchise value growing 39 percent since Sportico’s 2021 report.
However, concerns remain over widening gaps between the league’s richest and less-wealthy clubs. Inter Miami’s $1.45B valuation is 3.4 times that of CF Montreal ($480M). Limited national TV revenues compared to leagues like the NBA and NFL may affect the quality on the pitch.
Sportico notes MLS teams net just $5 million after production costs from Apple, while NHL teams earn roughly $40 million. Rising valuations haven’t eased sales difficulties for some clubs: Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes have struggled to attract buyers.
“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,” Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster told Sportico. “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.”
