Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)

What Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) does

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is a privately held Major League Soccer franchise founded in 2014 and operational since 2018, headquartered in downtown Los Angeles with home matches played at the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium in Exposition Park. The club operates a vertically integrated sports business spanning a first-team roster, developmental squad LAFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro), a youth LAFC Academy, an eMLS gaming division, and the LAFC Foundation community platform. LAFC has won six major trophies since inception, including the 2022 MLS Cup, two Supporters' Shields, two Western Conference championships, and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, and currently fields star players such as Son Heung-min, Denis Bouanga, and Olivier Giroud.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: matchday operations (season memberships via Ticketmaster, single-match tickets, hospitality packages, concessions, and merchandise), broadcasting rights distributed through the MLS collective, corporate sponsorship (anchored by BMO's naming-rights deal and a broad roster including Ford, adidas, Toyota, DoorDash, and a growing portfolio of Korean brands), and retail merchandise through the MLS Store and stadium outlets. BMO Stadium additionally hosts concerts and events, with Pollstar ranking it #14 globally and #6 in the U.S. on ticket sales.

LAFC's technology stack includes the first Wi-Fi 7 deployment in any MLS venue (Ruckus Networks, March 2026) and Wicket-powered biometric facial authentication ticketing integrated with Paciolan. The club has executed a multi-club ownership strategy, acquiring a majority stake in Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zürich in January 2024 and holding minority or partnership stakes in FC Wacker Innsbruck (Austria), S.D. Aucas (Ecuador), and a youth academy in Gambia, creating a transnational player development pipeline. A 2026 Korean-market push — anchored by the Son Heung-min signing and partnerships with Seoul Tourism Organization, WireBarley, Myrealtrip, Hello Soju, HYBE, and Paris Baguette — represents the most significant commercial expansion in the club's history.

Name

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)

Legal name

Los Angeles Football Club

Website

https://lafc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LAFC is a privately held Major League Soccer franchise in Los Angeles that operates a first team, developmental squad, youth academy, esports division, and community foundation at BMO Stadium, generating revenue from matchday, broadcasting, sponsorship, and merchandise while pursuing international multi-club ownership and Korean-market expansion.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Soccer Club

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events (7113)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Team Sports Clubs (Football/Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Rugby, Cricket, etc.) (MPAKABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Licensing, Merchandising & Co-Branded Products (Sponsored Merchandise, Collabs) (MPAKALAE), Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ), Team Sports Matches (Club & National) (MPAGAMAB), Club Sports Programs (EDALAIAB)

Keywords

• Professional soccer operations
• Matchday ticket sales
• Sports sponsorship deals
• Stadium concessions
• Youth soccer academy

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Matchday Revenue: LAFC generates revenue through ticket sales including season memberships, single-match tickets, group tickets, and hospitality experiences at BMO Stadium. The club also earns from stadium concessions, merchandise, and parking during home matches.
2. Broadcasting Rights: Revenue from MLS collective broadcasting deals and individual match broadcasts on television and streaming platforms.
3. Sponsorship and Partnerships: LAFC earns revenue through corporate sponsorship agreements with partners including BMO (naming rights), Ford, adidas, and numerous other brands across beverage, technology, and consumer categories.
4. Merchandise and Retail: Revenue from official LAFC merchandise including jerseys, apparel, and accessories sold through the MLS Store and stadium shops.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) operates a professional men's soccer franchise competing in Major League Soccer, playing home matches at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The club operates a first team, developmental squad (LAFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro), a youth academy, an esports program (LAFC Gaming), and a charitable foundation, generating revenue from matchday tickets, corporate sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales.

Product overview

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is a professional soccer club competing in MLS, operating as a multi-faceted sports organization with a first team, developmental squad (LAFC2), youth academy, and community foundation. The club's portfolio includes the LAFC First Team (MLS), LAFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro developmental team), LAFC Academy (youth clinics and camps), LAFC Gaming (esports program), and the LAFC Foundation (community initiatives). Home matches are played at BMO Stadium, which features Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and biometric ticketing through partnerships with Ruckus Networks and Wicket respectively.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LAFC2: Reserve team competing in MLS NEXT Pro developmental league
• LAFC Gaming
• LAFC Foundation
• LAFC Academy

Products and services

• LAFC First Team LAFC's professional men's soccer team competing in Major League Soccer (MLS), playing home matches at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and fielding internationally recognized players.
• LAFC2 LAFC's developmental squad competing in MLS NEXT Pro, serving as the club's second-tier team for player development with home games played at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton.
• LAFC Academy Youth development academy offering camps, clinics, and skills training programs for boys and girls ages 6 to 12, led by LAFC Academy athletes using the club's coaching methodology.
• BMO Stadium LAFC's 22,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Los Angeles, home to the club and host of concerts and events, featuring Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and biometric ticketing through partnerships with Ruckus Networks and Wicket respectively.
• LAFC Gaming LAFC's esports and gaming program competing in eMLS, featuring eMLS athlete Pablo 'Pabs' Georgakopoulos with streaming and social media presence.
• Special Olympics Unified Team LAFC's Special Olympics Unified Team combining elite soccer players with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as members of one team, operating in partnership with BMO and Special Olympics Southern California.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75,673 fans attended the 2026 season opener vs Inter Miami - second-largest crowd in MLS history
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

51 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• America's TirecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 April 2026Season-long partnership for 2026, making America's Tire an Official Partner with in-stadium LED signage and fan engagement features promoting tire safety tips. America's Tire operates over 120 stores in California and is the Official Tire Retailer of MLS.
• Hello SojucoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 April 2026Premium California-based soju brand designated as Proud Soju Partner and official Spirit-Based Ready-to-Drink Partner. Available throughout BMO Stadium during LAFC home matches with co-branded retail promotions across Southern California. Supports Hello Soju's national expansion plans.
• IPX (LINE FRIENDS)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 March 2026Partnership to bring iconic character BROWN to Los Angeles for the 2026 MLS season, marking LINE FRIENDS' 15th anniversary celebration. BROWN debuted as honorary falconer at LAFC's March 7 match vs FC Dallas.
• Ruckus NetworkscoreTechnology or Integration · 5 March 2026LAFC partnered with Ruckus Networks to deploy Wi-Fi 7 at BMO Stadium, making it the first MLS venue with next-generation wireless technology. Deployment enables multi-gigabit performance across 22,000 seats.
• Liquid DeathcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 February 2026Exclusive flavored sparkling water partner of LAFC. Products available throughout BMO Stadium during all LAFC home matches and select events. Partnership rooted in shared cultural relevance and sustainability values, with commitment to reducing single-use plastic.
• PacsunminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 2026Lifestyle apparel brand partnered for first 2026 capsule collection launched at the season opener at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Collection integrates fashion with fandom with fan activities at Fan Fest.
• Seoul Tourism OrganizationflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 2026Landmark partnership with Seoul city government entity to promote global tourism marketing for Seoul through sports content. MOU to be signed in mid-April, with first activation at LAFC Fan Fest on April 20. Promotional video featuring Son Heung-min and LAFC players to be released in mid-May.
• MyrealtripcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 January 2026Korea's leading travel super app became official South Korean online travel platform partner of LAFC. First product is 'LAFC Fan Tour' - exclusive 3-night/4-day travel package limited to 200 fans for season opener vs Inter Miami. Plans VIP experiences at select home matches.
• WireBarleycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 January 2026Multi-year strategic partnership making WireBarley LAFC's Official Remittance Partner - first-ever partnership between a Korean fintech and an MLS team. Grants WireBarley marketing rights in Los Angeles and designated international territories with digital and social integrations to engage Asian American communities.
• Paris Baguette (SPC Group)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 December 2025Third global sports collaboration following deals with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur. Partnership will launch LAFC-themed products inspired by Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga in global markets starting 2026.
• BMO (Bank of Montreal)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBMO holds naming rights to BMO Stadium, LAFC's home venue. The partnership includes stadium branding, LED signage, fan engagement features, and support for community programs including the Special Olympics Unified Team.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFord is a partner supporting community initiatives including Thanksgiving dinners and holiday shopping sprees for local families.
• SuperFilecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSuperFile is a Golden Boot Club partner and front-of-training-kit sponsor. The company donated $50,000 to the LAFC Foundation to support youth soccer development.
• Modelo (Grupo Modelo)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerModelo is a partner brand featured at BMO Stadium and in LAFC marketing activities.
• Liquid IVcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLiquid IV is a hydration brand partner providing products throughout BMO Stadium.
• Kaiser PermanentecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKaiser Permanente partners with LAFC on the LAFC Fit program, including field trips where students practice managing emotions through soccer drills. Partnership entered its third year.
• 1800 TequilaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpirits partner brand featured at BMO Stadium during LAFC home matches.
• DoorDashcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDoorDash partners on community initiatives including the 'Feed the Children x DoorDash Backpack N' Go Event' for wildfire relief efforts.
• adidascoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial kit supplier and apparel partner providing team uniforms, training gear, and fan merchandise.
• ZellecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGolden Boot Club partner with the 'Saves For The Community' program that raised over $100,000 for Latinos for Education. Also supports the Small Business Spotlight Program.
• ToyotacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerToyota partners on the Kick Childhood Cancer captain's armband design program and general sponsorship.
• WicketcoreTechnology or IntegrationBiometric ticketing company providing facial authentication technology at BMO Stadium for streamlined venue entry. The system enables express entry and personalization while cutting entry wait times in half.
• HYBEcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst-ever MLS sponsorship for the K-pop company, celebrating K-pop culture and fandom in LA. Partnership launched during Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
• ChevroncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with LAFC Foundation to unveil new futsal court at Bud Carson Middle School in Hawthorne, supporting youth sports access.
• PAISABOYSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborative collection inspired by L.A. Mexican heritage, with second collab collection released.
• Guayakí Yerba MateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYerba mate beverage brand partner for BMO Stadium.
• Punk Bunny Coffee (Green Day)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee brand from Green Day punk band members, partner for BMO Stadium.
• CAULIPOWERminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCauliflower-based food brand partner for BMO Stadium concessions.
• Five BelowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerValue retail brand partner for the club.
• Our HomeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSnack brand - first-ever snack partner of LAFC.
• National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (Korean Seaweed 'GIM')minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to promote global Korean seaweed brand 'GIM' throughout the 2026 season and beyond.
• Special Olympics Southern CaliforniacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for the LAFC Special Olympics Unified Team, combining players with and without intellectual disabilities. Team competes in scrimmages and official matches against other MLS Unified Teams.
• MovemberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMental health awareness partnership hosting roundtable conversations for youth leadership program participants.
• Bresee FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for mental health roundtable conversation and youth mentorship programs.
• Feed the ChildrenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with DoorDash on backpack and school supply distribution for youth impacted by Eaton Canyon fires.
• Open Your DoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoster youth career development program hosting tours and mentorship at BMO Stadium.
• LAFRA (Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerVirtual auction partnership to raise funds for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund supporting firefighter families.
• TreePeopleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Day volunteer event partnership for tree planting in Los Angeles area with Chick-fil-A SoCal and Call Jacob.
• One Tree PlantedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental nonprofit planting trees globally in partnership with LAFC community initiatives.
• Stater Bros.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of LAFC Youth Clinics providing free soccer training for boys and girls ages 6-12.
• University of PhoenixcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation partner supporting book drives, teacher appreciation events, and community programs. Partnership includes donating reading books to local schools.
• Chick-fil-A SoCalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership on Greener Goals beach clean-up events and community volunteer activities.
• Lexus (Southern California Dealers)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFire relief equipment donation partnership supporting Palisades Charter High School and Pasadena's Villa Parke Soccer League with new equipment.
• MattelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlay It Forward initiative supporting holiday shopping sprees and toy donations for local youth.
• Call JacobminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for volunteer corps activities and environmental initiatives.
• Healthcare for Homeless AnimalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDog adoption event partner providing resources for animals in need.
• Zippy PawsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet products brand partner for dog adoption events at BMO Stadium.
• Rainbow LabsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit creating safe space for Queer and Gender Nonconforming youth, featured during PRIDE match tunnel celebration.
• Pride RepublicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLAFC's LGBTQ+ supporter group partnered for PRIDE match celebration with Jordan Harvey.
• Grasshopper Club ZürichflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLAFC acquired a majority stake in Swiss soccer club Grasshopper from Chinese owner Jenny Wang, marking LAFC's expansion into European football investments. Part of broader international portfolio including clubs in Austria, Uruguay, and a youth academy in Gambia.
• Red&Gold FootballminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with S.D. Aucas of Ecuador for football development collaboration.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• LA Galaxy: LAFC's crosstown MLS rival, sharing the Los Angeles market, Dignity Health Sports Park venue, and direct head-to-head competition for fans, sponsors, and media attention. Most direct comparable by sport, city, and league.
• Inter Miami CF: MLS counterpart built around global star power (Messi, Suárez, Busquets) with similar sponsorship economics, broadcast dynamics, and ticket demand. Highly comparable operating model and global brand positioning.
• Atlanta United FC: Top-tier MLS franchise with comparable attendance, sponsorship scale, and trophy credentials (MLS Cup 2018). Direct comparable on revenue mix, market size dynamics, and expansion-era valuation thesis.
• Seattle Sounders FC: Founding MLS club with consistent playoff appearances, deep supporter culture (ECS), and a soccer-specific stadium. Comparable on fan engagement, membership economics, and on-field sustained competitiveness.
• New York City FC: City Football Group-owned MLS club in a major media market with comparable star-player strategy (e.g., international signings). Relevant for shared multi-club ownership economics and stadium development dynamics.
• Toronto FC: MLS original expansion-side franchise with similar corporate sponsorship portfolio, premium hospitality business, and star-signing model (Bradley, Altidore, Insigne). Comparable on commercial mix and large-market economics.
• New York Red Bulls: Red Bull-owned MLS club with comparable academy-first player development model, multi-club ownership structure, and corporate parent sponsorship integration. Direct comparable on multi-club group economics.

Broad incumbents

• Paris Saint-Germain: Global football club whose partnership with LAFC sponsor Paris Baguette shows direct commercial overlap. Comparable as a benchmark for top-tier global football brand-building, sponsorship economics, and star-player driven growth.
• Manchester City (City Football Group): Premier League club owned by City Football Group, the leading multi-club ownership model. Direct strategic comparable for LAFC's emerging multi-club portfolio across Switzerland, Austria, Uruguay, and Gambia.

Others

• Grasshopper Club Zürich: LAFC's majority-owned Swiss subsidiary club. Relevant peer by direct ownership relationship and as a vehicle for European player development and content generation within LAFC's multi-club network.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lafc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCnqj91wjXAT0bsmxF1fHWBA
• Facebookfacebook.com/lafc
• Instagraminstagram.com/lafc
• TikToktiktok.com/@lafc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)