Five MLS Teams Now Worth Over $1 Billion, Led by Messi's Inter Miami

The league's financial growth continues to accelerate, with a widening gap between the most and least valuable clubs.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Major League Soccer has reached a new milestone, with five of its franchises now valued at over $1 billion. Inter Miami CF, owned by Lionel Messi, tops the list at $1.35 billion, followed by Los Angeles FC ($1.32 billion), LA Galaxy ($1.08 billion), New York City FC ($1.02 billion), and Atlanta United FC ($1 billion). The average value of the league's 30 teams now stands at $731 million, a 6% increase from 2025, signaling continued investor confidence and expanding commercial opportunities across the competition. However, the figures also highlight a widening gap between the top and bottom of the league, with last-placed CF Montréal valued at an estimated $440 million.

Why it matters

The rise of MLS team valuations, particularly with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami leading the pack, underscores the league's growing financial strength and global appeal. As the sport continues to gain popularity in North America, the emergence of multiple billion-dollar franchises reflects the increasing commercialization and professionalization of the league.

The details

The latest Forbes valuations show that five MLS teams have now crossed the $1 billion threshold. Inter Miami CF, owned by global superstar Lionel Messi, tops the list at $1.35 billion, followed by Los Angeles FC ($1.32 billion), LA Galaxy ($1.08 billion), New York City FC ($1.02 billion), and Atlanta United FC ($1 billion). These five franchises represent the financial elite of MLS, with strong ownership groups, stadium assets, and growing global reach. Beyond the billion-dollar clubs, the average value of the league's 30 teams now stands at $731 million, a 6% increase from 2025, indicating continued investor confidence and expanding commercial opportunities across the competition. However, the figures also highlight a widening gap between the top and bottom of the league, with last-placed CF Montréal valued at an estimated $440 million.

  • The latest Forbes valuations were released on February 15, 2026.

The players

Inter Miami CF

An MLS franchise owned by a group that includes Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and other high-profile investors. It is currently the most valuable MLS team, worth an estimated $1.35 billion.

Los Angeles FC

An MLS franchise based in Los Angeles, California. It is the second most valuable MLS team, worth an estimated $1.32 billion.

LA Galaxy

One of the original MLS franchises, the LA Galaxy is the third most valuable MLS team, worth an estimated $1.08 billion.

New York City FC

An MLS franchise based in New York City. It is the fourth most valuable MLS team, worth an estimated $1.02 billion.

Atlanta United FC

An MLS franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the fifth most valuable MLS team, worth an estimated $1 billion.

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The takeaway

The emergence of multiple billion-dollar MLS franchises, led by Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, reflects the increasing commercialization and professionalization of the league. As the sport continues to gain popularity in North America, the widening gap between the most and least valuable clubs highlights the importance of star power, market size, and infrastructure investment in shaping the financial hierarchy of MLS.