MLS Money Power Rankings: Which 10 Clubs Will Dominate the Wealth Game in 2026?

Major League Soccer is witnessing unprecedented growth, with franchises throughout the United States and Canada reaching remarkable valuations in 2026.

MLS has consistently expanded since launching in 1996, growing in scale, stature and significance throughout the past three decades. The recruitment of superstar players such as David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Lionel Messi, alongside investments from celebrity owners including Matthew McConaughey, Will Ferrell and Giannis Antetokounmpo have attracted worldwide attention to the competition.

Increased visibility translates to greater revenue, and the premier MLS franchises have secured enormous financial gains. Based on information from Sportico, five teams now exceed $1 billion in value, while the typical club averages approximately $767 million.

Here are the top 10 wealthiest franchises in MLS entering the 2026 campaign.

10. San Diego FC ($765 million)

In tenth position sits the league's most recent expansion franchise, San Diego FC. The Western Conference newcomer required just one MLS season to surpass the value of 20 other league organizations.

San Diego commands a $765 million valuation despite being one of four California-based clubs. The franchise cultivated a devoted supporter base quickly, and their journey to the Western Conference championship game—following a regular season division title—provided substantial financial benefits.

9. FC Cincinnati ($790 million)

Following closely are FC Cincinnati, assessed at $790 million. The Orange and Blue saw a 9% growth from their previous season's worth, yet maintain their position as the ninth wealthiest MLS organization.

The Eastern Conference team may be hindered by their absence of a marquee star capable of attracting broader audiences beyond their city. The franchise has also never captured MLS Cup, leaving both revenue and prestige unrealized.

8. Columbus Crew ($800 million)

Unlike FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew understand championship glory in MLS, though recent seasons have brought disappointment. Nevertheless, their $800 million assessment provides reason for optimism.

Despite finishing seventh in Eastern Conference standings last season and suffering a first-round playoff elimination, the Crew boosted their valuation by 10%. If such modest performance yields these results, consider what a championship run—during a World Cup year—might deliver for Columbus.

7. Austin FC ($910 million)

Securing seventh place among MLS's wealthiest would represent tremendous achievement for most league teams, yet for Austin FC, it signals regression. The franchise held sixth position previously, now displaced by Seattle Sounders (detailed below).

Austin registers $910 million, representing merely 5% growth in value. With Academy Award winner McConaughey as minority owner, Austin likely anticipated reaching levels comparable to Inter Miami or LAFC, but falls short of the top five.

6. Seattle Sounders ($915 million)

Claiming Austin's previous sixth position are Seattle Sounders. The 2019 MLS Cup victors hold a $915 million valuation, establishing them as the third-wealthiest Western Conference franchise.

The 2025 campaign disappointed Sounders supporters, with Minnesota United eliminating them in the first playoff round, yet the team earned approximately $9.6 million from last summer's Club World Cup appearance. Seattle also secured $2 million for their 2025 Leagues Cup triumph.

5. NYCFC ($1.12 billion)

New York City FC occupies fifth place following a 12% value increase over twelve months. The franchise becomes the first of five MLS organizations exceeding $1 billion, valued at $1.12 billion.

As MLS's sole representative in the NYC marketplace, NYCFC automatically commands an enormous fanbase spanning all five boroughs. City Football Group ownership—also controlling Manchester City—plus New York Yankees partnership creates a powerful boardroom alliance before soccer considerations even factor.

4. Atlanta United ($1.14 billion)

Another major market representative, Atlanta United carries a $1.14 billion valuation. The franchise grew 6% annually but couldn't surpass their fourth-place standing.

Atlanta's prosperity stems largely from their supporters, who consistently fill Mercedes-Benz Stadium to capacity. Record-setting attendance figures have become standard in Georgia, elevating the team alongside other Atlanta sports franchises—a distinction few MLS clubs achieve.

3. LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion)

The 2025 campaign eliminated any questions about LA Galaxy's brand strength and organizational stature. The franchise transitioned from MLS Cup victory to catastrophic performance, finishing second-last in the Western Conference with merely 30 points across 34 matches.

Despite this, LA Galaxy increased their valuation 5% to cement their $1.17 billion worth. The club's heritage, combined with sponsorship deals and historical achievements, collectively maintained the struggling organization among the league's three wealthiest franchises.

2. LAFC ($1.4 billion)

A substantial $3 million gap separates LA Galaxy from crosstown rivals Los Angeles FC. The 2022 MLS Cup champions command an impressive $1.4 billion valuation, establishing them as the Western Conference's wealthiest franchise, capable of affording a record-setting transfer for Son Heung-min.

These remarkable figures actually represent a decline for LAFC, who previously held the league's top valuation spot. Nevertheless, capturing the 2026 MLS Cup could restore the Black and Gold to first place, provided they execute properly both on field and in business operations.

1. Inter Miami ($1.45 billion)

Could there be any question? Current MLS Cup champions Inter Miami lead the league in wealth, valued at $1.45 billion. The Herons boosted their assessment by an extraordinary 22% annually through comprehensive success.

Inter Miami collected approximately $21.1 million from reaching the 2025 Club World Cup knockout rounds, plus an additional $300,000 for their MLS Cup victory. Combined with co-owner David Beckham's global influence, superstar Lionel Messi's presence and passionate south Florida supporters, the Eastern Conference champions established MLS's gold standard throughout the past year.