Sporting KC set for MLS-record sale: What is the most expensive MLS team?
The MLS team finished 27 out of 30 teams in 2025 but has still achieved a nine-figure valuation.
After two decades at the helm, the Illig family is poised to sell Sporting Kansas City in an MLS-record sale.
The MLS team finished bottom of the Western Conference in 2025 and recently parted company with long-serving head coach Peter Vermes after 17 years in charge. Nevertheless, Forbes reports that Sporting KC has been valued at $700 million in the recently-agreed sale.
SCOOP: Sporting KC is being sold for roughly $700 million, multiple league sources tell @Forbes. An existing minority owner is said to be buying the club, but the Illig family is expected to remain in control—at least for the time being.https://t.co/uXh17VcTd7
— Justin Birnbaum (@JustBirny) January 17, 2026
The structure of the deal will see the Illig family sell 71% of the team, reducing their stake to 10%. One of the club’s existing limited partners is buying up a majority stake, taking their share of team ownership to around 80%.
Last April billionaire Gail Miller paid a reported $600 million for MLS team Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals of the NWSL.
Which is the most expensive MLS team?
MLS is increasingly ranking among some of the most moneyed leagues in world soccer. In 2025 new team San Diego FC joined MLS after paying a $500 million expansion fee. Ten years earlier, the owners of Orlando City SC paid just $70 million to join MLS.
This trend has been seen across the league with increased broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals. As MLS revenues have increased, team valuations have risen accordingly.
Last year the average valuation for an MLS team was $690 million, a 19% increase on the 2023 figure. Of the MLS teams in the Sportico list of most valuable soccer clubs 2025, LAFC were top with a valuation of $1.28 billion.
Also with a billion-dollar valuation were Inter Miami ($1.19B), LA Galaxy ($1.11B), Atlanta United ($1.08B) and New York City FC ($1B). They were valued more highly than established Premier League teams like Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton.
At the moment, much of this is future value with owners betting big on an explosion of soccer in the US. With the 2026 World Cup now just six months away, they may start to see a major return on their investment.
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