An article published in Forbes earlier this week spoke of the profitability of Major League Soccer expansion. MLS is considering raising its entry fee to $200 million dollars, up significantly from the $40 million dollar cost just four years ago. But MLS Commissioner Don Garber believes that the league has proven the $200 million cost is appropriate for what the owners will make in return.
Amongst some of the highest grossing teams in the league right now are some of its newest franchises. In fact, Orlando City came in as the fifth most valued team in the league at $240 million dollars. And as the article states, this is not just a result of first-year fascination. Orlando City has the second highest attendance this season at 32,000. Season tickets are in high demand and the team’s waiting list to get those tickets is in the thousands. And ticket sales will only become more competitive when Orlando City moves into its newer, soccer specific stadium next season.
Forbes estimates that Orlando City was profitable in its first year; a positive sign for any investment, but especially so when you stop to consider that Orlando City still pays fees to the City of Orlando to use Camping World Stadium. The only international star on the Orlando City roster is Kaká and the market is considerably smaller than other clubs, yet their revenue is amongst the top five in the league.
What does Orlando City’s success say about the future of MLS expansion? Well, Orlando City and New York City FC are certainly good examples to look to of the continued and expanding success of the league as a whole. With Orlando City’s new soccer specific stadium on the horizon, the investment in the league is looking even brighter.
