Inter Miami have officially claimed another title off the pitch. According to the latest franchise valuations, the club is now worth 1.45 billion dollars, making it the most valuable team in Major League Soccer.
The surge represents a 22 percent increase from last year and places Miami 50 million dollars ahead of Los Angeles FC, which had previously topped the valuation rankings. It is the first time in five years that LAFC is not number one in league valuations, marking a shift in MLS’s financial landscape.
The rise in Inter Miami’s value is closely tied to the continued impact of Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon helped deliver the club its first MLS Cup in December, a milestone that significantly boosted global visibility, commercial partnerships, and matchday demand. With the 2026 season approaching, the Messi effect continues to fuel revenue growth both on and off the field.
LAFC, now valued at 1.4 billion dollars, also saw growth, rising 9 percent year over year. The club features South Korean star Son Heung Min, one of the league’s most high profile international players. Messi and Son are currently the two highest paid players in MLS, and both clubs have benefited from their global appeal in sponsorship and ticket sales.
However, the broader league picture is more complex. While the top tier of franchises is experiencing strong gains, the bottom half of the valuation table tells a different story. The lowest 12 clubs saw their values rise by an average of just 2 percent compared to 2025. Three clubs experienced a drop in valuation, including the San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver Whitecaps and CF Montreal.
The Whitecaps’ decline stands out given their run to last year’s MLS Cup final, led by German legend Thomas Müller. Despite competitive success, market dynamics, stadium factors, and commercial revenues play a major role in overall franchise value.
In total, MLS clubs are valued collectively at 23 billion dollars. This figure includes related real estate and soccer affiliated business interests owned by club ownership groups, such as investments in women’s soccer through the NWSL.
San Diego FC, one of the league’s newest teams, is already valued at 765 million dollars, ranking 10th in MLS despite being early in its competitive journey. Expansion markets continue to play a key role in shaping the league’s financial future.
The 2026 MLS season kicks off on February 21 with a marquee clash between Inter Miami and LAFC. The fixture has been moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to meet extraordinary ticket demand, underlining the drawing power of the league’s biggest stars.
As MLS grows, the gap between its elite brands and mid table franchises appears to be widening. Inter Miami’s rise to the top highlights the commercial strength of star driven strategy, while the league as a whole continues balancing rapid expansion with sustainable growth.
