Investment in Austin FC fails again, reflecting sports' focus on wealth over talent

Austin FC: Money Can't Buy You Success

Austin FC's recent struggles on the pitch can be attributed to a number of factors, and while coaching and player performance are often cited as reasons, one underlying factor could be the club's spending.

The Texas-based club has a respectable payroll of $14 million, ranking 13th in spending according to Capology, a sports finance website. However, this spending hasn't translated to results, with the club sitting at 14th place across both conferences and barely clinging to a playoff spot in the West.

A Breakdown of the Spending

Capology data reveals that Austin FC overspends on forwards, ranking 9th in investment in this position. However, their defensive spending is lacking, ranking a lowly 21st. This is reflected in their negative goal differential, as they concede more goals than they score.

The club's top earner is offensive leader Sebastian Driussi, earning a substantial $3.8 million per year, the sixth-highest salary in the league. Other well-paid players include Emiliano Rigoni ($2.04 million), Alex Ring ($1.66 million), Gyasi Zardes ($1 million), and Julio Cascante ($773,750).

A Young Club with Impressive Value

Despite their recent struggles, Austin FC is already making waves in the football world when it comes to value. According to a list published by Sportico, a sports finance, and analytics website, Austin FC ranks 21st in the world, with an impressive value of $800 million.

This ranking puts them ahead of many historic clubs and is a testament to the dedication of the fans in a city starving for a successful professional sports team. The club's value and revenue have grown significantly since its MLS debut, with its revenue increasing from $50.5 million in 2021 to approximately $87 million in 2023 according to Forbes.

Sportico's valuation of $800 million also marks a significant increase from their $575 million estimate just two years ago. The club's reputation is growing, with star player Driussi's jersey being the fourth-most purchased in the league according to MLS, and the club boasts impressive attendance records, ranking 11th in MLS according to GOAL.

While Austin FC has financial might and an engaged fanbase, the club needs to address its spending priorities if it wants to climb the league table and challenge for honors. Investing in a solid defense could be the key to unlocking the club's true potential and giving the fans the success they crave.

The old adage that money can't buy happiness rings true for Austin FC fans, but perhaps a strategic shift in spending could change that narrative.