Forbes 2014 valuation of the MLS illustrates the encouraging growth of the league with clubs averaging $157m in worth up 52% from $103m in 2013. The league is also rapidly expanding with teams ready to go in Atlanta, Minnesota, and another in LA. This year, Orlando FC and NYCFC became part of the MLS family.
They haven’t been included in the 2014 valuation but their extremely robust attendances ranking 2nd and 3rd in the league are a sign of the overall bullish mood enveloping the domestic game. Match day attendances are higher on an average as compared to the NBA and NHL reflecting the strong local affinity for the game. The Sounders are the best supported club with attendances upward of 40,000 dwarfing their competitors. Nationally, the TV figures are somewhat soft, with even the WNBA ahead but the switch from NBCSN to Fox and ESPN has been positive. The LA Galaxy’s recent 3-1 win over Seattle was watched by 549,000 viewers on ESPN and an additional 183,000 on ESPN Deportes.
Pertinently, 10 out of the nineteen MLS teams are still leaking money showing a league somewhat on precarious financial footing. NY Red Bulls led the way with a loss of $9m with Toronto FC and Chicago Fire $7m and $6m in the hole, respectively. The Sounders made a profit ($10m) followed by the New England Revolution ($7m) and the Houston Dynamo ($5m).