The LA Galaxy recently surpassed the Seattle Sounders FC as Major League Soccer’s most valuable team, according to Forbes magazine’s fifth-annual list of team valuations.
The Galaxy is worth $315 million – 19 percent more than the previous year – in this year’s list. The team reported an operating income of $9 million, and it also has the league’s most valuable broadcasting and stadium naming rights deals, according to Forbes. The Sounders come in at No. 2 with a worth of $295 million, while Toronto FC is third on the list with a worth of $280 million.
Overall, the league’s 20 teams are worth an average valuation of $223 million, which is an increase of 20 percent since last year.
“Major League Soccer teams are surging in value as the league continues to grow in size, popularity and financial success,” Forbes reporter Chris Smith said. “There is extraordinary demand for expansion teams even though the league’s expansion fee is now $150 million, up a whopping 50 percent from the $100 million that New York City FC paid to join the league just a few years ago.”
Top 5 – 2017 Forbes list of Most Valuable Major League Soccer Teams:
- LA Galaxy, $315 million
- Seattle Sounders FC, $295 million
- Toronto FC, $280 million
- New York City FC, $275 million
- Orlando City SC, $272 million
Forbes’ full list can be found here.
By Eric Mann
Eric Mann is the communications assistant at the United States Sports Academy.