MSP Summit will release the 2026 MSPs to Watch list as part of a new and elevated initiative to recognize 130 exceptional managed service providers that demonstrate world-class operational performance and strategic vision. This prestigious designation, an offshoot of the renowned MSP 501, celebrates organizations that have mastered the MSP business model and execute at the highest operational levels—but are in the early stages of their growth.
MSPs to Watch are managed service providers that represent the future of an AI-dominated channel where agility and innovation matter when it comes to building businesses for sustainable growth.
The strengthened brand addresses a critical reality in the managed services industry: excellence exists at every scale. While the MSP 501 recognizes large, established players, MSPs to Watch shines a spotlight on organizations that may be earlier in their growth journey but demonstrate the same—and often superior—operational metrics, business discipline, and strategic vision as their larger counterparts.
We will release the 2026 MSPs to Watch list a few weeks after the MSP 501, which is two weeks away. Companies earning the MSPs to Watch designation undergo the same rigorous evaluation as MSP 501 applicants. There are no separate standards or adjusted criteria. Each organization is evaluated on revenue mix quality and composition, recurring revenue as a percentage of total revenue, revenue per employee efficiency, and year-over-year growth performance. The only difference between the lists is revenue scale.
Revenue size alone doesn't tell the full story of an MSP's quality, capability, or potential. Many MSPs to Watch companies actually outperform larger MSP 501 organizations in key metrics—higher recurring revenue percentages, stronger growth rates, better efficiency ratios, and more innovative service portfolios.
The recognition validates that these organizations have sound business models, efficient operations, and strategies aligned with industry direction. It serves as a powerful signal to customers, partners, employees, and investors that these MSPs have been independently validated against industry-leading benchmarks.
MSPs to Watch celebrates that operational excellence can be found across organizations at different stages of maturity, all executing exceptionally well within their context. The designation also recognizes that breakthrough service models, technology adoption, and go-to-market strategies often emerge from smaller, more agile organizations that are redefining what's possible in managed services. As everyone knows, the barrier to entry in the MSP business has been lowered by access to AI-based technologies that allow even small organizations to provide world class tech support, help desk, consulting and IT services. That is why this list has taken on greater importance as the industry, and customers, look for emerging players who can address today’s most pressing technology challenges and opportunities.
For many MSPs to Watch companies, inclusion in the MSP 501 is not a question of "if" but "when." These organizations are on a clear trajectory toward the main list, and this recognition validates their progress while providing a roadmap for continued advancement.
Recognized organizations will be highlighted on the MSP Summit website, in our MSP newsletters, and across social media channels. Special content designed specifically for MSPs to Watch will be featured at the upcoming MSP Summit, Sept. 28-30, at the Loews Royal Pacific in Orlando, FL, where honorees will receive public recognition of their achievement.
As the MSP Summit strengthens the MSPs to Watch brand and expands its focus on recognizing excellence at every scale, we are sunsetting the Next Gen list. We will consolidate that list with MSPs to Watch to provide more meaningful recognition and resources for exceptional managed service providers positioned for future growth.
We look forward to elevating the brands of these organizations given our role as evangelists for the MSP community and welcome your feedback. Please stay tuned for more information on this initiative.