Mexico

Ownership and regulation

Liga MX operates as a closed league with no promotion or relegation (abolished in 2020). Club licences (franquicias) are tradeable assets. Ownership changes require FMF and league approval. Multi-club ownership within the league is common (Grupo Pachuca owns multiple clubs).

No restrictions on foreign ownership. Several Liga MX clubs are owned by international business groups. The league's closed structure and franchise model make it similar to US sports leagues.

Governing body: Federacion Mexicana de Futbol (FMF)

Tax and legal structure

Mexican corporation tax at 30%. The peso has been relatively stable in recent years. Broadcasting revenue is split between free-to-air and pay TV, with Televisa and TV Azteca historically dominating.

Valuations

Liga MX: £30M-£200M. Liga de Expansion MX: £5M-£20M.

Recent deals

Club ownership transfers in Liga MX involve franchise licence sales rather than traditional acquisitions. Several clubs have relocated or rebranded in recent years.

Entry points

Liga de Expansion MX clubs or minority stakes in Liga MX franchises offer the most accessible entry. The franchise model means the licence itself holds significant value independent of the underlying club assets.

Our view

Liga MX is the most commercially developed football league in the Americas outside MLS. Average attendance exceeds 25,000, broadcast deals are substantial, and the domestic market of 130M people provides a revenue base that most leagues outside Europe's top five cannot match. The removal of promotion/relegation in 2020 protects franchise values but has drawn criticism for reducing competitive incentive. The closed-league structure means this is a franchise investment, not a football club investment in the European sense. For investors comfortable with that model, Liga MX offers strong commercial fundamentals. The risk is regulatory, as FMF governance has faced scrutiny.

For comparison, see our guides to England, Spain, and Italy.

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