MLS Clubs Seeing Valuations Soar In 2023

American soccer teams are quickly becoming some of the most valuable in the global game.

Forbes’ 2023 list of most valuable soccer clubs rightfully highlights European giants Real Madrid and Manchester United — each of which surpassed the $6 billion mark for the first time — but also includes three Major League Soccer teams in the top 20 after none last year.

LAFC ranked 17th on the list and first among its domestic rivals with a $1 billion valuation. That puts the defending MLS champions just below Serie A stalwarts Inter Milan ($1.03 billion) and above Premier League clubs like Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

The LA Galaxy ($925 million) were just behind their Southern California counterparts in 18th, while Atlanta United ($850 million) was 19th. 

Four other MLS teams made the list of 30 clubs — NYCFC, D.C. United, Toronto FC, and Austin FC, with the lowest valuation coming in at $680 million.

Meanwhile, 2016 Premier League champs Leicester City — whose fall from grace and descent to relegation was discussed on the most recent episode of the Front Office Sports Today podcast — came in 23rd with a $781 million valuation. 

The Foxes can expect that number to go down next year as they operate without a share of the lucrative EPL media rights and try to earn their spot back in the first tier of English soccer.