Orlando City SC is the ninth-most valuable club in the Americas, according to Forbes Mexico’s annual list.
After reviewing 16 leagues and over 150 clubs in South, Central and North America, the recognized magazine released today its list of the 50 most valuable clubs in the continents, highlighting Orlando City’s impressive growth after only two years in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Valued at $240 million, Orlando City SC ranks above numerous historic soccer powerhouses, including Sao Paulo from Brazil, Mexican side Club América and Argentine clubs River Plate and Boca Juniors. In September, City was also ranked as the fifth-most valuable club in MLS.
The ranking is composed under four main aspects: the value of the players in the squad, the television rights revenue, the value of the stadium (if it belongs to the club) and the brand value.
Forbes highlights the highest paid player in the Americas, 2016 MLS All-Star and City captain Kaká, as well as the business acumen of City’s majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva. Forbes also included the team’s $36 million revenue generated in 2016, the fifth-best in MLS, as one of the main drivers.
MLS, the only league with every one of its clubs included on the list, is also highlighted due its television rights sold in Europe, the soccer infrastructure built and the player signings with global impact.
For the list of the 50 most valuable clubs in the Americas, visit here.
