Major League Soccer is absolutely booming right now. We're talking massive valuations across the board, with clubs in the United States and Canada worth more than ever before in 2026.
MLS has come a long way since kicking off in 1996. The signings of superstars like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Lionel Messi have completely changed the game. Add in celebrity owners like Matthew McConaughey, Will Ferrell and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and suddenly the whole world is watching.
More eyeballs mean more dollars. According to Sportico's data, five MLS teams are now valued over $1 billion. The average club is worth around $767 million. Let's dive into the top 10 richest teams heading into the 2026 season.
The Bottom Five: Rising Stars
10. San Diego FC ($765 million) - Not bad for the league's newest team, right? San Diego cracked the top 10 in just their first season. They topped the Western Conference in the regular season and made it all the way to the conference final, which brought some serious prize money.
9. FC Cincinnati ($790 million) - The Orange and Blue saw a 9% bump in value. The problem? They're still hunting for that first MLS Cup trophy, which would unlock even more revenue streams. For bettors, that missing championship pedigree is worth considering.
8. Columbus Crew ($800 million) - Here's something wild: Columbus increased their value by 10% despite a disappointing seventh-place finish and early playoff exit. Imagine what winning could do for them, especially in a World Cup year.
7. Austin FC ($910 million) - They actually dropped a spot from last year, which has to sting. Despite having McConaughey as a minority owner, Austin only increased their value by 5%. They're still waiting for that breakthrough moment.
6. Seattle Sounders ($915 million) - Seattle pocketed $9.6 million from the Club World Cup and another $2 million from winning the 2025 Leagues Cup. Those international competitions are becoming serious moneymakers for top MLS sides.
The Billion-Dollar Club
5. NYCFC ($1.12 billion) - Being the only MLS team in New York City is a massive advantage. Add in ownership from Manchester City's parent company and the Yankees, and you've got a financial powerhouse.
4. Atlanta United ($1.14 billion) - Atlanta's secret weapon? Their fans pack Mercedes-Benz Stadium like it's an NFL game. Those record-breaking attendances translate directly into revenue that other MLS clubs can only dream about.
3. LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion) - Get this: Galaxy had an absolutely terrible 2025 season, finishing second-to-last in the West with just 30 points. Yet they still increased their value by 5%. That's the power of legacy and brand recognition.
2. LAFC ($1.4 billion) - The Black and Gold dropped from first to second place, but they're still the richest Western Conference team by nearly $300 million. They splashed big money on Son Heung-min, showing they're not afraid to compete financially. For anyone betting on MLS futures, LAFC's spending power makes them perennial contenders.
1. Inter Miami ($1.45 billion) - Was there any doubt? Miami's value jumped 22% in one year. They earned $21.1 million from the Club World Cup knockout stage and $300,000 for winning MLS Cup. With Beckham as co-owner and Messi as their talisman, Miami has become a global brand. They're setting the standard both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
