The 10 Richest Sports Franchises in the World (as of 2016)
An incredible amount of wealth and resources are needed to fund a professional sports team, and in this day and age, owners and teams spend absurd amounts of money to keep their organizations running. Any professional sport in general, whether it’s football or soccer, is virtually a billion dollar industry and some teams are wealthier than others. Here we will take a look at the kind of money that some teams actually have as we examine the ten richest sport teams in the entire world:
10. The Los Angeles Lakers – $2.7 Billion
The eight-time NBA championship winners come in at number 10 on the list with a value of some $2.7 billion. The Lakers are easily one of the most iconic teams in basketball which many of the greatest players in the world have called home at one point or another. While they can have their rough days for sure, the Lakers consistently are one of the best basketball teams out there and certainly are worth a lot of money.
9. The New York Giants – $2.8 Billion
The New York Giants come in next, as this NFL team is one of the richest in the world with their large $2.8 billion fortune. While every team does have their bad days and seasons, the Giants always come out in the long run as one of the better teams in the league. They’ve secured some four Super Bowl wins over their career and are usually a constant force to be reckoned with in the National Football Conference.
8. The Washington Redskins – $2.85 Billion
The Washington Redskins are a team that you might not expect to be on this list, however the football team from the capital of the United States is one of the richest sports teams in the world with their estimated value at some $2.85 billion. They might not always be one of the best teams out there, however they are certainly one of the wealthiest.
7. The New York Knicks – $3 Billion
They’ve called Madison Square Garden their home ever since 1946, and the New York Knicks, being from one of the wealthiest cities in the world, are also one of the most valuable teams out there. The Knicks have seen many great players on their team over the years, and despite not securing an NBA Championship for quite some time, they are still worth an insane amount of money.
6. Manchester United F.C. – $3.1 Billion
Manchester United is not only one of the most prominent teams within the English Premier League, they are one of the most famous soccer teams in the world. Since soccer is loved by countless fans all over the globe, it’s no surprise that a few soccer teams have made the list. Manchester has accomplished quite a lot over the course of their history as a team, and they are worth some $3.1 billion.
5. FC Barcelona – $3.17 Billion
Home to arguably the best player in the game right now, Messi, FC Barcelona is up next on the list as they are worth some $3.17 billion. Like Manchester United, FC Barcelona fans can be found throughout the world. They have secured some 23 La Liga titles and five championship victories in the UEFA so it’s no surprise that they have so much money.
4. The New York Yankees – $3.2 Billion
As easily the most recognizable franchise in baseball and as one of the most famous teams in the world just in general, the New York Yankees come in at number 4 as they are worth some $3.2 billion. This team is the most dominant force in baseball as they have secured some 27 World Series wins. The Yankees have seen some of the best players in the game, from Babe Ruth to Derek Jeter, and they have elevated their name to a almost god-like level.
3. The New England Patriots – $3.2 Billion
While there is a lot of recent controversy still surrounding the Patriots, this powerful football team is among some of the richest teams in the world. They are seemingly almost always a Super Bowl contender and have remained a strong team in the sport, which is why they are worth some $3.2 billion.
2. Real Madrid C.F. – $3.26 Billion
Real Madrid can trace their roots back to 1902 and they are the second richest team in the world with some $3.26 billion to their name. This successful team has produced and been home to some of the best players in the game, and it is even home to one of the world’s highest-paid soccer players, Cristiano Ronaldo.
1. The Dallas Cowboys – $5 Billion
With a value of around $4 billion, the Dallas Cowboys are the wealthiest team in the world. Like the other NFL teams on our list, the Cowboys have proven time and time again that they are one franchise to be feared. Although in recent years the “America’s Team” moniker is being threatened by poor performance on the field.
