Soccer is Big Business
Forbes is a global media company with strong leadership and coveted lists — which hallmark rankings. Now, Forbes looks at the MLS and ranks the most valuable teams for the year.
Forbes released today its fifth-ever franchise valuations for Major League Soccer – the 20 teams have a total value of approximately $4.46 billion, with the average team now worth $223 million, up 20% from last year.
What’s news? The LA Galaxy have surpassed the Seattle Sounders FC as the league’s most valuable team.
Previously, Seattle had held the top spot since 2013. Rounding out the top 5 are Toronto FC (No. 3), New York City FC (No. 4) and Orlando City SC(No. 5).
The biggest change in value belongs to DC United (No, 11), which is on the verge of entering a new $300 million stadium. The club is now worth $230 million, a 48% increase from last year.
The most profitable team was the LA Galaxy — with an operating income of $9 million — this team has the league’s most valuable broadcasting and stadium naming rights deals.
“Major League Soccer teams are surging in value as the league continues to grow in size, popularity, and financial success,” said Forbes reporter Chris Smith.
“There is an extraordinary demand for expansion teams even though the league’s expansion fee is now $150 million, up a whopping 50% from the $100 million that New York City FC paid to join the league just a few years ago,” said Smith.
Click here for the full story on Forbes
Forbes Top 10 Most Valuable Major Soccer League Teams are:
| Rank | Team | Value ($M) | 2016 Revenue ($M) |
| 1 | LA Galaxy | $315 | $63 |
| 2 | Seattle Sounders | $295 | $53 |
| 3 | Toronto FC | $280 | $46 |
| 4 | New York City FC | $275 | $34 |
| 5 | Orlando City SC | $272 | $33 |
| 6 | Portland Timbers | $268 | $44 |
| 7 | Sporting Kansas City | $260 | $36 |
| 8 | New York Red Bulls | $245 | $32 |
| 9 | Chicago Fire | $240 | $25 |
| 10 | San Jose Earthquakes | $235 | $34 |
The long awaited surge of interest in American soccer is being heralded as a significant improvement over past decades. It is great to see the value of MLS teams on the rise and to see continued editorial support in leading publications like Forbes.
LA Galaxy is also well known for focusing on youth player development and looking to groom homegrown talent.
Related Soccer News: Interview with KEVIN HARTMAN ON LA GALAXY’S FREE GIRLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
All MLS clubs have U.S. Soccer Development Academies — for more information on the DA Program visit U.S. Soccer
