Football
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent 7y

LA Galaxy overtake Seattle Sounders as MLS's most valuable club

The LA Galaxy have taken over the top spot from the Seattle Sounders in Forbes' annual ranking of MLS team valuations.

Thanks to broadcast and stadium rights deals that are the highest in the league, the Galaxy's valuation came out to $315 million, a 19 percent increase from 2016.

The club's revenue of $63m was $10m more than Seattle, which dropped to second place, checking in at an estimated worth of $295m.

There was little movement throughout the rest of the top five. Toronto FC ($280m) moved up one spot to third place, New York City FC ($275m) fell one spot to fourth, while Orlando City ($272m) remained in fifth.

Ironically, Toronto and NYCFC tied for the worst mark in the league in terms of operating income, with both organizations losing $9m.

The average valuation for MLS teams is now calculated to be $232m, up 20 percent from 2016.

Forbes' calculations didn't include expansion teams Atlanta United -- which is averaging a league-high 46,318 fans per game for its home matches -- and Minnesota United due to the fact that they have yet to record a full year of financials.

Columbus Crew SC finished last in terms of valuation at $130m. The Colorado Rapids recorded the lowest annual revenue in the league at $19m.

Here's the full list:

1.) LA Galaxy (Team value: $315 million)

2.) Seattle Sounders ($295m)

3.) Toronto FC ($280m)

4.) New York City FC ($275m)

5.) Orlando City ($272m)

6.) Portland Timbers ($268m)

7.) Sporting Kansas City ($260m)

8.) New York Red Bulls ($245m)

9.) Chicago Fire ($240m)

10.) San Jose Earthquakes ($235m)

11.) D.C. United ($230m)

12.) New England Revolution ($225m)

13.) Houston Dynamo ($218m)

14.) FC Dallas ($185m)

15.) Montreal Impact ($175m)

16.) Philadelphia Union ($170m)

17.) Real Salt Lake ($155m)

18.) Vancouver Whitecaps ($150m)

19.) Colorado Rapids ($135m)

20.) Columbus Crew SC ($130m)

^ Back to Top ^