12 Richest Sports Teams in the World
The richest sports franchises didn’t only earn money for playing well. They dominate media, commerce, sponsorships, and culture with impressive stadiums and global merchandising. These teams’ financial imprints exceed locker rooms, trigger tourist growth, change odds, and reconfigure skylines.
The revenues have nothing to do with losses or wins. These giants are economic powers that drive growth and influence various markets. Here’s a breakdown of the 12 richest sports teams in the world, focusing on why they generate so much income each year.
How Franchise Values Alter Economies and Odds
Sports franchises worth billions of dollars don’t get rich for nothing. These teams influence everything from sports betting to the economy. For instance, the Denver Broncos, which were purchased at $4.65 billion in 2022, flew to nearly $5.5 billion by 2024 after updated media deals and concrete stadium partnerships. Sportsbooks reacted fast, raising the team’s winning forecasts from 5.5 to 9.5 games while lowering the playoff runs and division title odds.
Bettors quickly pay attention when a team gains value. US sports influenced the betting market for a long time. Sports betting expert Brett Curtis says that the leading US online betting sites offer earlier lines with real-time updates and competitive odds that change as fast as teams gain or lose value. Many sportsbooks change the odds in real-time based on any change to teams or players. Teams gaining value quickly redefine the odds, particularly on sites that offer real-time odds and updates.
Sports teams in other regions also influence the betting landscape and local economy. Real Madrid’s Champions League value soared to $6.75 billion after notable stadium renovations, while bookmakers priced in additional income value seasons before kickoff and reduced odds before the action even started.
Rich sports franchises also ignite economic investments in their local regions, including stadium-side retail development, transport upgrades, and hotel ventures, which add to the local tax revenues, job opportunities, and tourism potential in any country.
The Richest Sports Teams Revealed
So, which sports teams defy the odds, boost economies, and close major deals because of their operational income and net worth? Here are global sports teams with billion-dollar tags:
1. Dallas Cowboys ($10.1 Billion)
The Dallas Cowboys sit pretty over the $10 billion value, which emphasizes the Jerry Jones era. The team also released figures that showed an operational income of $564 in 2023. The revenue is generated through sponsorships, TV deals, VIP suites, ticket sales, and global merchandise.
The Arlington AT&T Stadium also serves multiple purposes beyond football, including how it hosts boxing matches, high-profile concerts, and other international events. The Cowboys depend on a multi-revenue approach to generate premium income brackets outside of game day. The iconic branding also signs licensing agreements with digital gaming to fashion and more, backed by legends like Emmit Smith and Troy Aikman.
The team’s jerseys are top sellers in Europe, Asia, and even the Middle East, which remains true in losing streaks. Sponsors follow the line of views while broadcasters aggressively bid for the rights to show the team’s games.
2. Golden State Warriors ($8.8 Billion)
The Warriors top the NBA valuation leaderboard with a staggering $8.8 billion value and an operational income of $142 million. The revenue comes from an entire entertainment ecosystem that involves the Chase Center, not only the playoffs.
Chase Center runs year-round to provide a premium fan experience with events that exceed games, including suite towers, tech-focused venue models, esports events, and a rooftop restaurant. The team’s reach exceeds traditional arena revenue, which is also seen in the corporate partners like Google and Rakuten that confidently invest in the franchise’s lasting relevance.
The team’s consistent wins also improve the broadcast appeal, with more streaming subscriptions, with three championships in five years. The Warriors have also signed major footwear and jersey deals, with some behind-the-scenes corporate retreat deals in Silicon Valley.
3. Los Angeles Rams ($7.6 Billion)
The Los Angeles Rams started at SoFi Stadium, which was valued at $5.5 billion. However, the complex’s synergy fuels the team’s value with concerts, stadium tours, NFL matchups, and Mega Bowl games that generate a steady revenue stream. The Rams improved corporate sponsorships and increased seasonal ticket prices since the Super Bowl title in 2021.
Local companies in the hospitality industry and to automotive sectors pursue suite packages and naming rights deals. The stadium’s presence has also boosted development around Inglewood, with restaurants, hotels, and residential towers booming.
The team’s media exposure also reveals where some revenue originates, with ESPN Monday Night highlights and NFL network features that boost crossover partnerships to raise the value higher than ticket sales ever could.
4. New York Knicks ($7.5 Billion)
NBA valuations in 2025 for the New York Knicks show that the franchise carries a $7.5 billion price tag despite years without championships. The operational income sat around $182 million in 2023, which came from more than basketball. MSG hosts massive events and concerts year-round.
New York fans will pay for a night in the garden the same way they’d pay for performance experiences, and club-level tickets and luxury suites maintain value, even when the Knicks lose. Other income includes celebrity-branded events, TV shows, and exhibition games.
The global appeal has risen, with European and South American merchandise selling enough to solidify the revenue. The team also has sponsorship deals with Hennesy and FanDuel.
5. New England Patriots ($7.4 Billion)
The New England Patriots maintained a $7.4 billion net worth after Tom Brady’s departure. Gillette Stadium generates revenue with college events, soccer friendlies, and concerts, while Foxborough retains fan enthusiasm.
The team’s success that originated from the Brady-Belichick era has engraved trust among national and regional sponsors that continuously offer high-value deals, including Dunkin’, Pepsi, and JetBlue.
Premium seating options also carry high values, including executive boxes and club lounges. Meanwhile, media rights deals remain consistent, especially for weekend football coverage and morning shows. The brand’s connection to fan loyalty and the Boston area remains solid.
6. New York Giants ($7.3 Billion)
The New York Giants, worth $7.3 billion, attract more than football fans. They appeal to convention attendees, global tourists, and music lovers. The MetLife Stadium hosts WrestleMania, FIFA matchups, and other major concerts.
Concessions, parking, suites, and venue naming rights also generate income, while the major regional TV contracts appeal to New York audiences. The team dominates local halftime shows, stadium rentals, and sponsor tie-ins, even during unsuccessful seasons.
The franchise ownership’s modernization commitments also attract income, whether upgrading the stadium or training facilities. Local and international tour partnerships also improve the brand’s footprint.
7. Los Angeles Lakers ($7.1 Billion)
The Los Angeles Lakers, valued at $7.1 billion with $199 million in operational profits, are ranked as the NBA’s third-richest team. This team plays on a global stage, often highlighted by nationally televised primetime games and superstar signings.
The brand’s purple and gold sales worldwide soared, and the jersey sales escalated after the championship. The team maintains a celebrity network of partners with fashion, entertainment, and globally affiliated sponsors.
8. New York Jets ($6.9 Billion)
The New York Jets, valued at $6.9 billion, attract similar revenue streams and events compared to the Giants. The team has unlocked broadcast deals that target New York’s massive audience, even after performance struggles.
Media synergy drives the value, including pregame shows, radio, and weekly analysis. Premium club profiles and stadium bar advertising contribute to the revenue on game days, while a recent increase in celebrity ownership interest and stadium redesigns indicate future growth.
9. San Francisco 49ers ($6.8 Billion)
The San Francisco 49ers are currently valued at $6.8 billion. The team has had some superstars with high values, with the Brock Purdy net worth being $1 million alone back in 2023. However, the team put forth a 10% stake, which means they could be worth $9 billion.
The valuation comes from a passionate Bay Area fan base, consistent playoffs, and the ultra-modern Levi’s Stadium. Partnerships with SAP, Google, and Verizon also improve revenue, and the stadium hosting college lacrosse to soccer matches certainly contributes. Besides, the team’s five Super Bowl wins in nine years ensure it sustains fans.
10. Real Madrid ($6.75 Billion)
Real Madrid is the richest soccer club, which only had a value of $6 billion in 2023. Updates to the Bernabéu combined with global fandom increased the value fast. Stadium upgrades included in-venue hotel options, retractable roofs, and museum upgrades.
The roster of global stars, like Modrić, Vinícius Jr., also engages users and increases the demand for merchandise. The team has obtained broadcast agreements with DAZN and Movistar and commercial partnerships with Audi and Emirates. The brand also holds the all-time record for Champions League titles, which increases their appeal to elite sponsors.
11. Manchester United ($6.6 Billion)
The second English giant is Manchester United, valued at $6.6 billion with an operational income of $100-$200 million worldwide. Sponsorship deals with Adidas and TeamViewer, tourism-focused museum additions, and stadium offerings at Old Trafford increase revenues.
The team also has a massive fan base from Africa to North America and Asia, making them the ideal advertisers for global giants. More stadium upgrades, media partnerships, and NFT commerce are expected to boost profits more, whether the team loses or wins.
12. Los Angeles FC ($1.25 Billion)
The Los Angeles Football Club is the first US soccer team to surpass $1 billion in value by 2025. The team’s Banc of California football stadium is packed with concerts, constant sellouts, and many community events.
Their operational income of around $12 million may appear modest, but the recent star signings of Gareth Bale and Carlos Vela will boost income. The focus on global branding and premium hospitality with VIP experiences and club-level lounges is sure to ignite more revenue.
