The Rise of Inter Miami: MLS's Most Valuable Club Hits $1.45 Billion

Inter Miami are now Major League Soccer’s most valuable club, valued at a league-high $1.45 billion, according to Sportico’s latest MLS valuations. The club leads five teams worth more than $1B, ahead of LAFC ($1.4B), as total MLS franchise value climbs to $23B across 30 teams, reflecting continued growth across the league.According to the figures compiled by Sportico, Inter Miami have had a staggering rise from its pre-Messi valuation of $585 million. The club has also seen a projected 75 percent increase in revenue, with estimates pointing toward $250 million in revenue by 2026, a figure unmatched elsewhere in MLS.Los Angeles FC were the previous leaders and are now second at $1.4 billion. Here is the top five: The average franchise value has reached $767 million, and collectively all MLS franchises were worth a combined $23 billion. The average franchise saw its value grow 39 percent from Sportico's 2021 valuations. However, there were some concerns about the growing disparity between the league's haves and have-nots. Inter Miami is worth 3.4 times the amount of CF Montreal ($480 million). With national TV revenues not as robust as the NBA, NFL, and other counterparts, that could impact the quality of what's on the pitch. According to Sportico, MLS teams only net $5 million in revenue after production costs from Apple. By comparison, NHL teams net around $40 million. Also, even as team values rise, some ownership groups are having a hard time selling their clubs. The Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes have struggled in this respect. “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.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMLS is less than two weeks out from kicking off its season, with Matchday 1 getting underway on Feb. 21.

Inter Miami's Soaring Valuation

Inter Miami has achieved a remarkable milestone within Major League Soccer, emerging as the league's most valuable club valued at a record $1.45 billion, as reported by Sportico's latest MLS valuations. This significant leap reflects the club's exponential growth since the acquisition of Lionel Messi.

Evolving Financial Landscape of MLS

The total franchise value of MLS has reached a substantial $23 billion across 30 teams, with Inter Miami leading the pack alongside other top clubs valued over $1 billion. Despite the overall growth, concerns have been raised about the widening gap between clubs in terms of valuation and revenue.

Challenges Faced by MLS Ownership Groups

While the value of MLS teams continues to rise, some ownership groups encounter difficulties in selling their clubs, as seen with the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes. The disparity in revenue from national TV deals compared to other major sports leagues poses potential challenges for clubs seeking financial stability.

Implications for MLS Future

As MLS gears up for the upcoming season, the surge in club valuations brings both opportunities and challenges for the league's growth and competitiveness. The disparity in revenues and valuations among clubs highlights the need for a balanced financial model to sustain long-term success.

Looking Ahead to MLS Season Kickoff

With the MLS season set to kick off on Feb. 21, the league's evolving financial landscape adds an intriguing dimension to the competition on the pitch. As clubs like Inter Miami set new benchmarks in valuation, the upcoming season promises an exciting blend of sporting prowess and financial dynamics.