Messi helps David Beckham's club become the top powerhouse in MLS

Inter Miami now holds the title of the most valuable club in Major League Soccer, boasting a league-high valuation of $1.45 billion, as reported in Sportico’s newest MLS valuation study.

Based on data compiled by Sportico Inter Miami has made an extraordinary leap from a valuation of $585 million before Lionel Messi’s arrival. The club is also projected to increase its revenue by up to 75%, estimated to reach around $250 million by 2026, a figure unmatched by any other MLS competitor.

Following Miami and LAFC in the top five are LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion), Atlanta United ($1.14 billion), and New York City FC ($1.12 billion). The 30 MLS clubs currently have an average valuation of $767 million, up 6% from last year and 39% since Sportico’s first MLS valuation in 2021. The total value of MLS teams now stands at $23 billion, according to the report.

However, concerns have arisen about the widening gap between wealthy and less affluent teams in the league. Inter Miami is now worth 3.4 times more than CF Montreal ($480 million). Given that national broadcasting revenue is not as strong as in the NBA or NFL, this could impact the quality of play on the field.

According to Sportico, MLS teams only earn about $5 million net from Apple after production costs, far less than the approximately $40 million earned by NHL teams. Additionally, despite rising club values, some ownership groups still face challenges selling their teams. Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes are prime examples.

Vancouver Whitecaps CEO, Axel Schuster, told Sportico: “We have had over 30, nearly 40 investor groups sign NDAs and enter the data room to thoroughly review our situation. Yet, not a single party showed interest in purchasing even a 1% stake in the club, as all believe the operational structure, market, and current conditions do not present a worthwhile investment environment.”

The MLS season is set to begin in less than two weeks, with the opening round scheduled for February 21st.