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Five Major League Soccer (MLS) teams are now worth $1 billion — and expansion ahead of the 2026 World Cup is driving the surge.

Ahead of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer has officially entered its financial power era. The average club is now valued at $767 million — up 6% year over year and nearly 40% since 2021.

So what’s behind the explosion?

Michael and Asli break down the arrival of “MLS 3.0” — a new era defined by rising franchise fees, smarter infrastructure strategy, and the looming impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Clubs like Inter Miami CF, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United FC, and New York City FC have crossed the billion-dollar mark — and expansion fees are climbing fast. San Diego FC paid $500 million to enter the league and is already valued near $800 million after just one season.

But the real story is stadium economics.

MLS has shifted from flexible entry requirements to demanding infrastructure first. Soccer-specific venues unlock naming rights, sponsorships, mixed-use development, and year-round revenue. It’s no longer just about matchday income — it’s about long-term asset growth.

That brings us to the big question: MLS is at 30 teams. Do they expand to 32 like the NFL? Or stop here?

We examine the most realistic contenders — Sacramento Republic FC, Las Vegas, Mesa, Arizona, and Indianapolis — and what it would actually cost to join the league today.

We also explore why some American billionaires are investing overseas instead — including Bill Foley’s purchase of AFC Bournemouth — and what that signals about global football capital.

Then the focus shifts to World Cup logistics, including New York City’s proposal to pilot free public transportation during the tournament.

MLS is no longer fighting for legitimacy.

It’s deciding how big it wants to become.

#MLS #MajorLeagueSoccer #Soccer #Football #MLSExpansion #WorldCup2026 #FIFAWorldCup #FootballBusiness #SoccerBusiness #SportsBusiness #FinanceOfFootball #MLSSoccer #SoccerTalk #footballtalk

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Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is…
Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé
Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond
Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond, Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky

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Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at https://www.frequencymachine.com