Inter Miami CF has surpassed LAFC to become Major League Soccer’s most valuable team, reaching a valuation of USD 1.45 billion. This milestone comes amid a notable MLS franchise valuation surge, largely driven by Lionel Messi’s arrival and the club’s first MLS Cup championship in December 2025.
Details Behind the Franchise Valuation Increase
According to data from Sportico, Inter Miami achieved a remarkable 22% increase in value over the past year, the highest in the league. Overall, MLS franchise valuations rose to an average of USD 767 million, marking a 6% increase compared to 2025. However, the financial growth is uneven across the league. The top five clubs, including Inter Miami and LAFC, are now valued above the USD 1 billion mark, while the bottom 12 teams experienced only about a 2% increase on average.
Some clubs, including CF Montréal, Vancouver Whitecaps, and San Jose Earthquakes, faced declines in their market values, underscoring a growing split between the league’s most valuable franchises and those struggling to keep pace.
High-Profile Commercial Rivalry Shaping the 2026 Season
The 2026 MLS season opens with an anticipated showdown between Inter Miami and LAFC at the Memorial Coliseum, which seats 77,500 spectators. This matchup highlights the commercial battle between the league’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min, LAFC’s high-profile signing in 2025. The event signals MLS’s expanding appeal and growing fanbase.
Financial Highlights and Revenue Outlook
Inter Miami’s projected revenue for 2026 is approximately USD 250 million, placing the club’s financial performance alongside some of the NBA and NFL’s leading teams. Meanwhile, San Diego FC, in only its second season, boasts a valuation of USD 765 million after having paid a record USD 500 million expansion fee, indicating continued investment and growth within the league.
MLS clubs are also adjusting to shifts in media rights deals. The latest arrangement with Apple delivers around USD 5 million per club after production costs. The league is preparing a sprint season in 2027, which will transition the schedule from winter to summer, an effort designed to optimize alignment with global soccer transfer windows.
Implications for MLS and Future Developments
This valuation surge reflects MLS’s expanding commercial influence and increasing global prominence, as high-profile players and strategic media agreements draw significant attention. The growing divide between top franchises and lower-valued clubs presents challenges for league-wide parity but also opportunities for investment and development.
The renewed seasonal calendar and the heightened marketing focus around star players like Messi and Son Heung-min suggest that MLS aims to strengthen its place as a major league both in the U.S. and internationally. These developments could attract more sponsors, media partners, and elite talent, shaping the league’s trajectory in the coming years.
