The 30 MLS Payrolls in 2025 – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The 2025 MLS season has highlighted major contrasts in how clubs approach their payroll strategies. While some franchises continue to invest aggressively in star power, others emphasize development, system cohesion, and smart spending.
From CF Montréal’s modest budget to Inter Miami’s headline-making outlay, this club-by-club breakdown ranks all 30 MLS teams by total salary spend — starting from the lowest and working up to the league’s biggest spender.
30. CF Montréal – £9.48 million
CF Montréal sits at the bottom of the salary table, spending just under £9.5 million. Despite the limited budget, the Canadian side remains focused on youth development and long-term sustainability.
29. Philadelphia Union – £10.56 million
Known for their strong academy and smart scouting, Philadelphia Union continue to operate with a lean budget. They’ve spent £10.56 million in 2025, proving again that success isn’t always tied to spending big.
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28. Real Salt Lake – £10.60 million
Real Salt Lake invested just over £10.59 million this season. Their philosophy leans toward internal development and tactical cohesion rather than star signings.
27. Houston Dynamo – £10.60 million
Closely aligned with RSL, Houston Dynamo's salary spend reflects a focus on system-based football and emerging talent. Their total payroll stands at £10.60 million.
26. Minnesota United – £10.91 million
Minnesota United continues to build on a balanced approach, spending nearly £10.91 million in wages. While not among the biggest spenders, they aim for consistency over glamour.
25. D.C. United – £11.55 million
A historically prominent club, D.C. United spent £11.55 million on player salaries in 2025. They're in a transitional phase, blending experienced veterans with younger prospects.
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24. NYCFC – £11.82 million
New York City FC’s £11.82 million wage bill may seem modest for a club in one of the world’s biggest markets. However, they’ve maintained a strategy centered on disciplined spending and technical development.
23. Austin FC – £12.11 million
Austin FC kept their salary structure tight, investing £12.11 million this season. Their project remains centered around cultivating a solid core and building through culture.
22. Colorado Rapids – £12.24 million
With a total spend of £12.24 million, the Rapids continue to prioritize homegrown talent and value-for-money signings. Their squad is built with long-term goals in mind.
21. Vancouver Whitecaps – £12.42 million
The Whitecaps committed £12.42 million to their roster in 2025. They’ve shown signs of progress this season, mixing young Canadian prospects with savvy international additions.
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20. Columbus Crew – £12.92 million
Fresh off a competitive run, Columbus Crew still operate with fiscal responsibility. Their 2025 wage spend came in at £12.92 million, showing strong return on investment.
19. Orlando City – £12.98 million
With a salary total just shy of £13 million, Orlando City continues to punch above its weight. Their approach blends international experience with emerging local talent.
18. Charlotte FC – £13.53 million
As a relatively new MLS franchise, Charlotte FC has shown ambition with a £13.53 million payroll. They're clearly building for both present performance and future potential.
17. San Jose Earthquakes – £13.57 million
The Earthquakes maintained steady financial discipline, spending £13.57 million in 2025. Their focus remains on stability and incremental improvement.
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16. New England Revolution – £13.58 million
Just ahead of San Jose, the Revs invested £13.58 million this year. Their roster is built around MLS veterans and tactical consistency under experienced leadership.
15. Sporting Kansas City – £13.99 million
SKC’s £13.99 million wage bill reflects their consistent competitiveness. They maintain a balance between spending and squad continuity.
14. Seattle Sounders – £14.29 million
Seattle’s smart front office has kept spending efficient at £14.29 million. Their track record proves that strategic investment pays off in silverware.
13. St. Louis City – £14.30 million
MLS newcomers St. Louis City invested £14.30 million in their debut efforts. Their aggressive yet calculated strategy shows early promise on and off the pitch.
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12. FC Dallas – £14.99 million
FC Dallas continues its tradition of prioritizing academy talent while investing just under £15 million. They’re proof that development can coexist with ambition.
11. Portland Timbers – £15.47 million
With £15.47 million spent, the Timbers have opted for roster depth and stability. Their spending reflects a long-term team-building mentality.
10. San Diego FC – £15.43 million
In their first MLS season, San Diego FC made a notable entry with £15.43 million in salary outlay. They’ve built a well-rounded squad aiming to make waves early.
9. New York Red Bulls – £17.02 million
RBNY remains true to its high-pressing identity, investing £17.02 million in talent that fits the system. Efficiency and energy define their squad construction.
8. Nashville SC – £17.18 million
Nashville has quietly built a competitive squad on a £17.18 million budget. They continue to be one of the most consistent teams in the East.
7. Chicago Fire – £17.42 million
With £17.42 million in spending, Chicago Fire is trying to re-establish itself as a force in MLS. Their recruitment hints at a blend of flair and function.
6. LAFC – £17.67 million
A club known for big moments, LAFC maintained a strategic spend of £17.67 million. Their scouting and development pipeline remains one of the strongest in MLS.
5. LA Galaxy – £18.07 million
Once the benchmark for spending, LA Galaxy’s £18.07 million budget still places them among the top 5. Their recruitment reflects a legacy of marquee ambition.
4. FC Cincinnati – £18.31 million
Cincinnati's rise has been mirrored by smart investment—£18.31 million this season. Their team is built around tactical clarity and high-value acquisitions.
3. Atlanta United – £21.83 million
Atlanta United continues to pursue attacking flair with £21.83 million in salary expenses. Their front-loaded investment model keeps them competitive and entertaining.
2. Toronto FC – £26.97 million
Toronto spent nearly £27 million on salaries, underscoring their desire to dominate the Canadian and wider MLS stage. Star power and experience headline their roster.
1. Inter Miami – £37.00 million
Leading the league by a wide margin, Inter Miami spent a staggering £37 million in 2025. Spearheaded by global icons, their spending reflects their ambition to be MLS's crown jewel.
