Sports franchises are a big business. They are often some of the most valuable assets a city has to offer.
In many cases, a sports franchise is the most valuable thing a city has to offer. So, what is the most valuable sports franchise in the world?
According to Forbes, the most valuable sports franchise in the world is the Dallas Cowboys. They are worth an estimated $5.7 billion as of 2021 – making them the most valuable sports franchise.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the other most valuable sports franchises in the world and what makes them so successful. Read on to learn more.
What Exactly Is A Sports Franchise?
Before we get into the list of the most valuable sports franchises, it’s important to understand what exactly a sports franchise is.
A sports franchise is essentially a team or club that is owned by an individual or group of individuals. This team or club competes in a professional sports league – such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL.
Like franchises in other industries, sports franchises are often bought and sold. And, like other businesses, their value can fluctuate based on several factors – such as the performance of the team, the financial stability of the league, and more.
A sports franchise can be incredibly valuable for several reasons. For one, they often have a loyal following of fans who are willing to spend money on tickets, merchandise, and more.
Additionally, sports franchises can bring in a lot of revenue through broadcasting rights and other partnerships.
Also Read: 14+ Innovative Franchise Marketing Ideas
What Is The Most Valuable Sports Franchise In The World?
Now that you know a little more about what sports franchises are, let’s take a look at the most valuable ones in the world.
Some of the franchises in this list might surprise you, but it’s not always the club that wins on the field that’s worth the most.
Dallas Cowboys
As mentioned earlier, the Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world. This American football team is worth an estimated $5.7 billion as of 2022.
The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports team in the world, thanks to their massive fan base and a steady stream of revenue.
The team has been incredibly successful over the years, winning five Super Bowls.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees follow closely behind the Dallas Cowboys as the second most valuable sports franchise in the world. This iconic baseball team is worth an estimated $5.25 billion as of 2022.
The Yankees are one of the most successful baseball teams in history, with 27 World Series titles to their name. They also have a large and loyal fan base, as well as a number of lucrative partnerships.
New York Knicks
The NBA’s New York Knicks round out the top three most valuable sports franchises in the world. This basketball team is worth an estimated $5 billion as of 2022.
The Knicks are one of the most popular and successful basketball teams in the NBA. They play in the largest market in the United States, which gives them a major advantage when it comes to revenue.
Additionally, the Knicks have a number of high-profile partnerships, which also adds to their value.
Barcelona
Barcelona not only includes some of the most talented football players on the planet, but it is also the fourth most valuable sports franchise in the world. This Spanish football club is worth an estimated $4.76 billion as of 2022.
Barcelona has a rich history and tradition, making it one of the world’s most popular football clubs.
They have a large fan base and generate a lot of revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and more.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is another Spanish football club that rounds out the top five most valuable sports franchises in the world.
This team is just a few figures behind Barcelona, with an estimated value of $4.75 billion as of 2022.
Real Madrid is one of the most successful football clubs in history, with 35 La Liga titles and 14 European Cups to their name.
Their diverse fan base, paired with their on-field success, has made them one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are the second most valuable NBA team, coming in at sixth on the list of most valuable sports franchises across the world. This basketball team is worth an estimated $4.7 billion as of 2022.
The Warriors have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA over the past few years, thanks to their star players, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
Additionally, the Warriors play in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is one of the most popular and affluent regions in the United States.
Los Angeles Lakers
Despite their golden days with Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and Mystic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers have been a bit more subdued since they began playing in the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
However, this has not stopped the Lakers from being one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The team is worth an estimated $4.6 billion as of 2022.
Read: Franchise SEO Services
How Sports Franchises Make Money?
The franchising model is known for its profitability. In fact, according to Forbes, the 50 most valuable sports franchises in the world are all worth at least $2 billion . And several of these teams are worth billions of dollars.
So, how do sports franchises make so much money? There are a few key ways that these teams generate revenue:
- Broadcasting rights: Broadcasting rights are one of the biggest sources of revenue for sports franchises. Teams generate billions of dollars annually from selling their broadcasting rights to television networks and streaming services.
- Sponsorships: Sponsorships are another major source of revenue for sports franchises. Teams often have deals with corporations that allow them to place their logos on their uniforms, arenas, and more. These deals can be worth millions or even billions of dollars over the course of a few years.
- Ticket sales: Ticket sales are also a significant source of revenue for sports franchises. Teams often sell out their arenas or stadiums, which allows them to generate a lot of money from ticket sales.
- Concessions: Concessions are another way that sports franchises make money. Teams typically sell food and drinks at their arenas or stadiums, which generates revenue for the franchise.
Wrapping Up
So, what is the most valuable sports franchise in the world? According to Forbes, the answer is currently the Dallas Cowboys, who are worth an estimated $5.7 billion.
However, several other teams are not far behind, including the New York Yankees, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
Also Know How Does A Franchise Work?
Amit Gupta is the founder of DrFranchises – a digital marketing agency that helps brands rank better on Google Maps through local SEO strategies. Amit has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing. He’s also the owner of multiple franchises and has helped countless brands achieve success online. When he’s not working, Amit can be found playing with his dog.