Europe’s big-hitters remain the world’s most valuable but a flurry of MLS sides make the list.
Business experts Forbes have published their annual list of the world’s 30 most valuable soccer teams.
Forbes’s valuations are “enterprise values (equity plus net debt) based on historical transactions and the future economics of each league and each team”, and are calculated based on four key categories: matchday, broadcast, commercial and club brand. Figures are based on revenue streams and club accounts over the relevant period (2023–24 in Europe and February 2025 in North America).
Europe’s top clubs continue to dominate the rankings but there are eight Major League Soccer sides who sit among the world’s most valuable assets.
Five MLS teams feature in the bottom third of the top 30 as those in the United States increase in value, with Forbes attributing such lofty valuations to a variety of factors including lower debts than in Europe, the salary cap and the lack of relegation in the country’s top flight. D.C. United, Seattle Sounders, Austin FC, New York City FC and Atlanta United all boast valuations between $785 million and $975 million.
Premier League sides flesh out the rest of the rankings between 30th and 21st, with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace trailing behind Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa. Roma also feature as one of four Italian clubs in the list and are valued at $810 million.
