Professional football is still booming, as shown by the steadily increasing investments. The most valuable clubs and the reasons behind the United States’ growing dominance in world football are revealed by a recent study.
Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid Lead in UEFA Champions League
At least in the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are the two top European teams in the current 2023–24 campaign. Since last week, that has been evident. Reaching the “premier league” final means, above all, more money for the two best clubs. A minimum of 100 million euros will be paid to BVB, although Real Madrid will receive much more because of its superior standing in the UEFA coefficient system. Much like these elite clubs receiving substantial financial rewards for their achievements, players can also benefit from great opportunities. This bonus offers a risk-free chance to enjoy the thrill of online casino games such as Richard Casino login offers without the need for an initial deposit, making it an attractive option for newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Manchester United is the Most Valuable Football Club
Manchester United serves as an example to demonstrate that a club’s worth is not solely determined by its level of athletic achievement. The Red Devils last won a Premier League title in 2012–13, and they last advanced to the Champions League final in 2011. Nevertheless, Manchester United is presently the most valuable football team in the world, per the most recent Sportico list. Experts estimate that the English record champs are worth 6.2 billion US dollars. In second and third place, respectively, are Real Madrid (6.06 billion US dollars) and FC Barcelona (5.28 billion US dollars).
The total revenues of the 50 most valuable football clubs—which include match day receipts, sponsorship, advertising, catering, and other commercial revenues—were used as the basis for calculating their worth. The analysis did not consider the teams’ transfer agreements.
Based on a number of variables, including past revenues, market size, saturation, and potential owner interest, brand strength, past and present athletic performance, financial commitments, and the anticipated future profitability of the club and the league, a team-specific multiplier is determined for the key figures attained.
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The Most Valuable Football Clubs in the World
1. Manchester United: 6.2 billion US dollars
2. Real Madrid: 6.06 billion US dollars
3. FC Barcelona: 5.28 billion US dollars
4. Liverpool FC: 5.11 billion US dollars
5. FC Bayern Munich: 4.8 billion US dollars
6. Manchester City: 4.75 billion US dollars
7. Paris Saint-Germain: 4.05 billion US dollars
8. Arsenal: 3.91 billion US dollars
9. Tottenham Hotspur: 3.49 billion US dollars
10. Chelsea: 3.47 billion US dollars
FC Bayern Reaches the Top 5
Manchester United had a multiplier of eight. By comparison, FC Bayern Munich, in fifth place, was valued at just 4.8 billion US dollars, or 6.15 times its revenue.
Behind FC Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund is the second Bundesliga club in the Sportico ranking of the most valuable football clubs. The value of the German Champions League finalist is estimated at 1.64 billion US dollars. This means that BVB has the second-lowest multiplier in the top 15, behind AC Milan with 2.9. Also represented in the top 50 are RB Leipzig in 43rd place (610 million US dollars) and Eintracht Frankfurt (580 million US dollars).
New York City FC Valued at Factor of 12.35
In contrast to Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and AC Milan, New York City FC is valued at a multiple of its total revenue. Founded in 2013, the MLS club generated revenue of just $94 million in the 2022/23 season. Nevertheless, the franchise, which belongs to the City Football Group, is valued at $840 million (factor of 12.35). The team from the US metropolis is not the only representative of Major League Soccer (MLS) to have made it into the top 50.
A total of 20 teams from the MLS are among the most valuable clubs in world football – more than from any other league. The high valuation of franchises from the USA and Canada is due to several factors. On the one hand, the closed league system without relegation guarantees MLS clubs more planning security, while on the other hand, the teams have been recording continuously rising revenues for years, with costs remaining largely constant – secured by the league-wide salary cap.
In addition, both the ten-year contract with Apple, which was began in 2022 and guarantees MLS media revenue of 2.5 billion US dollars until 2032, and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, point to a continued flourishing development of the league.
Inter Miami Multiplies Revenue Within Two Years
The best example of the MLS’s boom is Inter Miami. Since signing Lionel Messi in July 2023, the Fort Lauderdale club has experienced a level of hype that is unrivalled in football. In the same year, the Miami team already generated a turnover of over 120 million US dollars (more than double the amount in 2022). In the 2024 financial year, the 200 million US dollar mark is now expected to be broken for the first time.
The objective is no coincidence: for the first time, Inter Miami’s games have almost sold out so far this season. In addition, football icon David Beckham’s club has signed a number of major sponsorships in recent months. JP Morgan Chase, the largest bank in the USA, has been a stadium naming rights partner since February 2024. Other new sponsors of Messi’s team from 2024 include Visa, Tudor and Duracell. In addition, Inter Miami’s partner pyramid includes global brands such as Adidas, Continental, Heineken and Procter & Gamble.
US Investors Have a Stake in 27 of 50 Clubs
While it is not surprising that the MLS clubs are majority-owned by domestic owners, the influence of US investors in European football is also growing. A total of 27 clubs in Europe have sold at least a percentage of their shares to an investor or company in the USA, including four top English clubs: Manchester United, Liverpool FC, Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC.
With nine representatives, the Premier League, along with the MLS, has the most clubs in the top 50 most valuable football clubs worldwide. The Italian Serie A is represented six times, followed by the German Bundesliga with four placements. The Spanish La Liga (Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid) and the Mexican Liga MX (Club América, Deportivo Guadalajara and CF Monterrey) are each represented three times. The French Ligue 1 (Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon), the Dutch Eredivisie (Ajax Amsterdam), the Portuguese Liga (Benfica Lisbon) and the Brazilian Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Flamengo Rio de Janeiro) complete the list.
Conclusion
The global football landscape is clearly shifting, with Major League Soccer making significant strides in terms of value and influence. The rapid rise of MLS clubs, fueled by strategic investments and market expansion, shows that the American league is increasingly seen as a serious contender in the football world. With heavyweights like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona still leading the rankings, the continuing growth of clubs from the United States and Canada signals a new era in football’s financial ecosystem. As we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continue to see major sponsorships and partnerships forming, the future of football looks set to be more competitive and lucrative than ever before.
