The difference between how much David Beckham paid for MLS side Inter Miami and what it is worth now is astonishing: 'One of the best sports business deals ever'
- David Beckham was offered an option to buy an expansion team in 2007
- Inter Miami was founded in 2018 and has been an astronomical success
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David Beckham's move to the MLS has been described as 'one of the best sports business deals ever'.
Beckham shocked the footballing world when it was announced he was set to leave Spanish giants Real Madrid for LA Galaxy in 2007 - at the age of just 32.
Amassing 188 appearances in his six seasons for the Galaxy, Beckham's on-field won the MLS Cup twice in a row in 2011 and 2012 but his impact off the pitch was huge - lifting the MLS brand around the world.
He took a pay cut to move Stateside, earning a base wage of £5.4million per year as opposed to his reported £16.6m salary in the Spanish capital.
However, a Twitter thread has come to light highlighting how Beckham actually earned more than £42m per year during his time in the US.
David Beckham joined La Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007and his impact was huge
He took a pay cut to move Stateside, earning a base wage of £5.4million per year
Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has proved an astronomical success both on and off the field - with the club now worth an incredible $1.02billion
The club has signed several high-profile players such as Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez (R)
When Beckham negotiated his move, he was offered an option to buy an expansion team in any market - except New York City - for just $25 million.
As a result, Inter Miami was founded in 2018.
It began playing in the Eastern Conference in the 2020 season, and has signed several high-profile players such as Blaise Matuidi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
Following the signing of Lionel Messi on a free transfer, the club won its first major trophy, the expanded 2023 Leagues Cup.
Messi's move to Inter Miami last year has proved an astronomical success both on and off the field
According to Sportico, Miami is now valued at $1.02bn - which is almost double the $583million it was valued at last year.
Messi mania has helped the MLS team boost its revenue from $55m to $127m, moving them from the 10th most-valuable club in the league to the third.
Only three other MLS sides are said to have reached the magical number, with LAFC ($1.15bn), Atalanta United ($1.05bn) and Beckham's former franchise LA Galaxy ($1bn).
