MLS: five franchises valued at $1bn or more, Inter Miami CF first at $1.35bn (Forbes)

Five MLS franchises are valued at $1bn or more according to the “Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Clubs 2026” ranking published by US business magazine Forbes on 14/02/2026. There were only three the previous year.

Inter Miami CF, 2025 MLS Cup winners and home to Argentina’s Lionel Messi, ranks first for the first time with an estimated valuation of $1.35bn (€1.14bn), ahead of Los Angeles FC ($1.32bn / €1.11bn), which had ranked first for the previous three years, LA Galaxy ($1.08bn / €910m), New York City FC ($1.02bn / €860m) and Atlanta United FC ($1bn / €843m). In addition, 21 other franchises (out of 30) are valued at more than $500m.

"The acquisition of the Argentine star has had an even greater impact on the franchise’s fortunes off the pitch, with Inter Miami supercharging its ticket sales, leveling up its sponsorship portfolio and unlocking new lines of business, such as lucrative global tours. Club revenues have nearly quadrupled since Messi first touched down in Florida, rising from $56m in 2022 to an estimated $200m last season," said Forbes, while Messi has extended…