CNBC ranks top 30 global soccer clubs by value 2026

The world’s 30 most valuable soccer teams have an average worth of $2.66 billion, according to CNBC’s 2026 rankings. This figure places soccer behind the NFL’s $7.65 billion average team value and the NBA’s $5.52 billion but ahead of the NHL’s $2.2 billion. Revenue streams like tickets, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights drive these valuations, with European Champions League success often translating to higher earnings. Paris Saint-Germain, now valued at $5.3 billion, saw a 16% increase from last year after winning the league, earning 144.4 million euros in revenue. The club faces Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30, with the winner set to gain an additional 6.5 million euros from the tournament.

Real Madrid holds the top spot for the second consecutive year, valued at $7.5 billion—a 12% rise from 2025. The club reported $1.26 billion in revenue for the 2024-25 season, just $10 million shy of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, which leads all sports teams in revenue. Real Madrid’s financial strength stems from 36 La Liga titles and 15 Champions League trophies, along with $642 million in commercial revenue last season. Barcelona, now second with a $6.4 billion valuation, saw a 13% increase, driven by $1.05 billion in total revenue and $564 million from sponsorships and merchandising.

Manchester United, despite falling to third, grew 5% in value to $6.3 billion. The team generated $206 million in match-day revenue—the highest among English clubs—and $234 million in EBITDA, the highest for any soccer team. Inter Miami, the fastest-rising club, increased 60% to $1.6 billion, fueled by $215 million in revenue as MLS champions. The club’s growth highlights the growing financial power of teams in North America, though it remains far behind European giants.

Other top teams include Bayern Munich ($5.1 billion), Liverpool ($4.9 billion), and Tottenham Hotspur ($4.7 billion). Clubs in the U.S., like Inter Miami, New York City FC, and Los Angeles FC, reflect soccer’s expanding global footprint. However, their valuations lag behind European powerhouses, which benefit from larger markets and deeper financial backing. The rankings also show that teams with strong tournament performances, like PSG and Real Madrid, consistently outpace others in revenue and valuation.

Commercial revenue remains a key differentiator. Real Madrid’s $642 million in sponsorships, merchandising, and non-soccer events set a new record, while Barcelona and Manchester United also rank high in this category. Teams outside Europe, such as Atlanta United and West Ham United, face challenges in competing with the financial scale of clubs like Bayern Munich or Juventus, which are valued at $4.7 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively.

The data highlights soccer’s role as a global brand, with revenue and valuation disparities shaped by geography, tournament success, and market size. While the NFL and NBA dominate in team value, soccer’s top clubs continue to grow, driven by broadcasting deals and fan engagement. As the Champions League final approaches, PSG and Arsenal’s financial stakes highlight the sport’s increasing commercial power—and the potential for even higher valuations in the years ahead.