MLS soccer is big business in Seattle. That’s been well established. Since the Sounders joined the MLS, the team has logged the league’s top four all-time season attendance averages—a number that’s increased each year, with an average of 43,144 in 2012. The team’s average attendance is double that of the next best MLS team, and two of the MLS’s all-time top 10 most-attended games were in Seattle, in 2012 and 2013 against the Portland Timbers. Hell, ex sports talk radio guys are even writing books about the team.
But while that’s all well known at this point, it’s still surprising to see just how valuable Seattle’s soccer squad is. According to a recent list from Forbes, the Sounders are valued at $175 million, making the team the most valuable North American soccer franchise.
Even more stunning: According to the list, the Sounders are worth more than eight – count ‘em, eight! – NHL hockey teams.
As Business Insider notes:
Based on Forbes.com’s most recent NHL valuations, the Sounders would be tied for no. 22 with the Buffalo Sabers. The Sounders, who averaged 43,124 fans per game this season, are more valuable than eight of the 30 NHL franchises, including the Florida Panthers ($170 million), Phoenix Coyotes ($134 million), and St. Louis Blues ($130 million).
What’s it all mean? Probably not much, other than once again reaffirming Seattle’s unique love of soccer.