Sports teams aren’t just about the game anymore—they’re billion-dollar investments, and owning one with global reach is always lovely. Most successful teams are raking in huge profits thanks to loyal fans, massive sponsorships, and strategic business moves. This article looks at the most valuable sports teams worldwide according to a recent Forbes ranking.
Dallas Cowboys
The American team, Dallas Cowboys, tops the list of valuable sports franchises. With a valuation of around $9 billion, the Cowboys have leveraged their iconic brand and massive fan base to become a financial giant. Despite a Super Bowl drought since 1995, the Cowboys’ value continues to grow.
New York Yankees
Based in the world’s media capital, the Yankees have built a global brand that resonates far beyond the baseball diamond. Their 27 World Series championships and a line-up of legendary players have created a charm that has translated into a $7.1 billion franchise.
Golden State Warriors
Once an underdog franchise, the Golden State Warriors have recently moved up the valuation charts to $7 billion. Their ascent can be attributed to a perfect storm of factors: a new arena in one of the wealthiest markets in the US and innovative leadership that has attracted fan engagement.
The New England Patriots
According to a Forbes evaluation, the New England Patriots are valued at $7 billion as of 2024. This valuation is driven by their six Super Bowl titles, large and loyal fan base, lucrative media deals, and substantial revenue from their home stadium, Gillette Stadium.
Los Angeles Rams
The construction of the super-modern SoFi Stadium and the subsequent relocation of the Rams to Los Angeles in 2016 catapulted the team’s worth. As of 2024, the Rams are valued at around $6.9 billion, which attests to their position in the second-largest media market in the US.
New York Giants
With a legacy stretching back to 1925, the New York Giants are worth about $6.8 billion. The Giants have secured their place in football history with four Super Bowl victories, and their shared ownership of MetLife Stadium has further bolstered their financial standing.
Chicago bears
One of the NFL’s original franchises, the Chicago Bears, is roaring into the conversation. Despite not having great seasons, the Bears maintain a firm valuation, currently at around $6.3 billion in 2024. The Bears enjoy a dedicated fan base that prides itself on nine NFL championships.
Las Vegas Raiders (NFL)
The Las Vegas Raiders exemplify the impact of strategic relocation. Their move from Oakland to Vegas in 2020 marked a new chapter. With the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium as their new home, the Raiders have tapped into the excitement of America’s entertainment capital. They are currently valued at $6.2 billion.
New York Knicks
Even with a lengthy championship drought, the New York Knicks remain one of the NBA’s most valuable teams, with a value of $6.1 billion in 2024. Playing in the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden, the Knicks benefit from New York City’s extensive market and the team’s deeply rooted place in basketball culture.
New York Jets
The New York Jets share ownership of MetLife Stadium with their crosstown rivals, the Giants. While they may struggle with playing success, their location in New York and the NFL’s solid financial health have helped maintain their status as one of the league’s most valuable franchises, at approximately $6 billion.
Real Madrid
With a trophy cabinet bursting with domestic and international honors, Real Madrid’s playing success is matched by its financial might. The soccer club’s global fan base, lucrative sponsorship deals, and consistent participation in the UEFA Champions League contribute to its impressive $6.07 billion worth.
Washington Commanders NFL
Formerly known as the Washington Redskins, the Washington Commanders’ recent controversies have hardly affected the franchise’s high valuation. With recent ownership change and rebranding efforts, the team’s value stands at $6.05 billion, the price Joshua Harris paid for the franchise in 2023.
Manchester United
Manchester United is equally impressive in soccer, and its value remains high even without a recent major trophy. The Red Devils have leveraged their rich title-winning history, huge sponsorship deals, and global fan base to hold a valuation of $6 billion as one of the most valuable sports franchises worldwide.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have successfully blended playing success with off-field business acumen. The NFL team’s move to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in 2014 provided a state-of-the-art facility that has become a significant revenue generator. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the 49ers’ success has resulted in a $6 billion franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers
Based in Los Angeles, the second-largest media market, the Lakers benefit from lucrative broadcasting deals and a connection to Hollywood. Their home, Crypto.com Arena, generates significant revenue thanks to their 17 NBA championships, star players like LeBron James, and a global fan base. The Lakers are valued at around $5.9 billion.
Top 15 Valued Sports Teams Worldwide