It’s hard to ignore the big bucks that teams can pull in. Some teams are worth more than others, with billion-dollar TV contracts, lucrative sponsorships, and high-priced players.
So which ones are at the top of the list? In this post, we’ll take a look at the most valuable sports teams in the world.
8. FC Barcelona
Value: $5.00 billion
FC Barcelona is one of the most storied teams in all of Europe. With 28 La Liga championships, 26 Copa del Rey titles, and 5 European Cups/UEFA Champions League trophies, it’s easy to see why this city team is so big.
Indeed, FC Barcelona has some of the most memorable players in sports history on their roster. From Lionel Messi to Neymar, these players are why the team is now valued at $5 billion.
The second most valuable sports franchise in Europe has become even more profitable since 2016 after they signed a shirt sponsorship deal with Nike for a stunning 105 million euros per year.
7. Real Madrid
Value: $5.1 billion
Real Madrid, the team with the third most European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles (11), is also one of the most valuable teams in sports. Owned by its supporters, Real Madrid’s value is now $5.1 billion. The Spanish giants are also known for giving opportunities to international players like Gareth Bale, who came from Wales, and Karim Benzema, who came from France.
This is one reason why the team has become more profitable since 2010. What’s most significant about their value is their massive revenue stream and television deal which raked in a whopping 163 million euros last year.
6. Los Angeles Lakers
Value: $5.9 billion
Another NBA team that has to make the list of teams with the highest value is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won 16 championships since their establishment in 1947. These days, this historic team is making it big on the court and off it thanks to lucrative deals and revenue opportunities.
The Lakers are one of the most valuable teams in basketball, with a value of $5.9 billion, because they play in one of the largest markets in the world Los Angeles. And thanks to this city’s sheer size, the Lakers are able to bring in large amounts of revenue through sponsorships and TV deals like their recent one with Time Warner Cable worth $700 million over 20 years.
5. New York Yankees
Value: $6.00 billion
The New York Yankees‘ dominance on the diamond and in the boardroom is no fluke. In fact, in 2019, the team made a record $683 million in revenue, a number that’s sure to keep growing.
With 27 World Series victories and 40 American League pennants, it’s no surprise that New York has been able to purchase talent, including a roster chock-full of the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. This includes Giancarlo Stanton, who has a 10-year, $325 million deal, and Gerrit Cole, who makes $36 million a year.
The Steinbrenner family owns the team valued at $6.00 billion, 5% more than last year. The Yankees are one of the most popular teams in the world, with a dedicated fanbase that rivals any. The team is owned by Yankee Global Enterprises, which also owns the YES Sports Network for New York.
4. New York Knicks
Value: $6.1 billion
Basketball, especially the New York Knicks, is among the most popular sports. And with Madison Square Garden as their home court, there’s no surprise that this team has made its way onto the list of most valuable sports teams. Owned by Madison Square Garden Sports, which bought it for $300 million in 1997, the Knicks are valued at $6.1 billion.
While the team hasn’t been as successful on the hardcourt, its value remains to soar above any other team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This is primarily because of the team’s venue—Madison Square Garden. Called the “Mecca of Basketball,” Madison Square Garden has a current value of $828 million, which makes up 23% of the team’s value.
In 2013, MSG went through a massive renovation that cost an incredible $1 billion. The arena’s upgrade paved the way for more extensive revenue opportunities, which is exactly what they’ve done.
3. New England Patriots
Value: $6.4 billion
The New England Patriots are known for their impressive NFL postseason record. The team has played in eight Super Bowls and won six of them, the most out of any other NFL franchise. This explains why they’re one of the most successful teams in football, which is also why they’re one of the most valuable teams with a value of $6.4 billion.
The team’s success on and off the field is due to their strong and stable management and ability to win consistently over the years.
2. Golden State Warriors
Value: $7 billion
The Golden State Warriors success is indicative of the team’s culture. The all-time leaders in NBA postseason win, this Bay Area team has won three championships since 2015 after an extended time without a title. With a megastar like Stephen Curry, it’s no surprise that the Warriors are one of the most profitable teams in the NBA.
And with a value of $7 billion, the Warriors are among the most valuable sports teams. The team is owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who purchased it for $450 million in 2010. These two individuals have big plans for this storied NBA franchise which they think will increase its value even more in the next few years, thanks in large part to the team’s brand-new home arena, the Chase Center, which cost $1.3 billion to make.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Value: $8.0 billion
The Dallas Cowboys are huge, and they keep getting bigger! Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys in 1989 for around $140 million; since then, it’s been nothing but pure profit for him. The team was most recently valued at $8 billion, making it the most valuable team in the National Football League (NFL) and in all of sports.
The Cowboys’ popularity is best represented by the team’s number of consecutive sell-outs. Since 2002, Dallas has sold out a whopping 190 straight games.
Conclusion
The world of sports is always changing, and these teams’ valuations are proof. These kinds of changes in value can happen rapidly or sometimes take years. As we move into the future, it will be interesting to see how things shake out for these franchises—and which ones come out on top.