Most valuable team in MLS? Inter Miami top new rankings

Both on and off the field, Inter Miami are trying to dominate MLS. The team recorded a first-ever MLS Cup triumph last December, and followed that up with a series of ambitious offseason signings. Now, the latest analysis from Sportico has put the Herons as the league’s most valuable team.

According to the new figures for 2026, Inter Miami are worth $1.45 billion after recording an increase of 22% on their 2025 value. They overtake previous leaders LAFC, who are valued at $1.4 billion this year.

Across the league, valuations rose by 6% to give teams an average value of $767 million. Much of that increase has been concentrated amongst the most valuable clubs, with the bottom 12 teams in the standings only increasing their value by 2% on average. Nevertheless the $23 billion total team valuation represents a significant increase over the past five years. Team valuations have risen by 39% when compared to 2021, the first year of the Sportico valuations.

A ‘superclub’ MLS Cup for 2026?

When the 2026 MLS season gets underway on Saturday, February 21, the two most valuable teams in the league will go head-to-head in what could prove to be an MLS Cup preview. Inter Miami get their championship defense underway with a trip to LAFC, bringing together the two most celebrated and most decisive players in the league.

It will be the first time that Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min, who joined LAFC last summer, will meet in MLS and it will be the headline game from the league’s opening weekend of fixtures. With Miami and LAFC in different conferences, they will not meet again in MLS unless both teams make it all the way to MLS Cup in December.

It is a tantalizing proposition, two of the most successful MLS teams of recent years with two of the biggest signings to ever play in the league. Inter Miami and LAFC have built two of the most ambitious rosters ever seen in MLS and will be looking to challenge on all fronts in 2026. At they end of it, the 2026 MLS season could well culminate with another meeting of the league’s two coastal giants.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.