Austin FC's Monetary Woes: Big Spending, Little Success

After a stellar season last year, Austin FC now struggles. A single stat may explain their woes: money.

Spending Big, Returning Little:

• Austin FC's annual payroll: $14 million ^1.
• 13th highest-spending team in the league.
• Performance: 14th in points, 8th in the Western Conference.
• A higher spend doesn't always equate to wins.

Breakdown of Spend:

• Forward positions: 9th highest spend in the league ^1.
• Defense: 21st in spending ^1.
• Conceding goals is an issue.

Top Earners:

• Sebastian Driussi: $3.8 million p.a. - 6th highest-paid player in the league.
• Emiliano Rigoni: $2.04 million.
• Alex Ring: $1.66 million.
• Gyasi Zardes: $1 million.
• Julio Cascante: $773,750.

Valuable Club:

• Austin FC ranked 21st globally, valued at $800 million ^2.
• The youngest team on the list by far.
• Major League Soccer (MLS) well-represented in top 20:
  • LAFC, Atlanta United, Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and New York City FC ahead of Austin FC.

Rapid Growth:

• Austin FC's value surged by $170 million last year ^3.
• 6th-place ranking in MLS, up from 9th.
• Revenue increased from $50.5 million in 2021 to approx. $87 million in 2023 ^4.

Factors for Success:

• Fan consumption: Sebastián Driussi's jersey is the 4th most purchased in the league ^5.
• Attendance: 11th-best record in MLS despite stadium size ^6.
• Social media presence lags.