The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2024

In a highly anticipated release that pulls back the curtain on the financial heft of the world’s biggest sports franchises, Forbes unveiled its 2024 edition of the “Most Valuable Sports Teams” in December. The comprehensive ranking, which spans every major league from the National Football League (NFL) to Major League Soccer (MLS), offers a clear picture of how clubs have rebounded from the COVID‑19 shockwave and capitalized on new revenue streams. While the methodology—rooted in revenue, profitability, assets, and brand equity—remains consistent with past years, the 2024 list showcases fresh dynamics: a surge in American NFL value, a steady rise of European football giants, and the emergence of a few high‑growth Asian and Australian teams.

1. The Dominance of the NFL

The NFL’s supremacy in the world of sports valuations is as clear as ever. The Dallas Cowboys lead the pack, boasting a valuation of $8.5 billion, an increase of roughly 9 % over the 2023 figure. Their revenue streams are as diversified as they are lucrative: TV rights, sponsorship deals, merchandising, and the iconic Cowboys Stadium (now AT&T Stadium) that hosts a mix of football and high‑profile concerts.

Second place is the New England Patriots, valued at $5.3 billion. Though the Patriots have not clinched a Super Bowl in recent years, their brand remains a potent revenue generator. The Patriots’ valuation climb is underpinned by a robust partnership with the Patriots Sports Network and a long‑term naming rights agreement for Gillette Stadium.

Other NFL clubs that crack the top 10—Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the San Francisco 49ers—are all hovering between $3.7 billion and $4.5 billion, showing that the league’s teams collectively dominate the sports world’s balance sheet. The top 15 teams in the NFL alone account for over $55 billion in combined market value.

2. NBA’s Rapid Growth

The NBA’s growth trajectory continues to accelerate. The Los Angeles Lakers (valuation: $5.2 billion) and the Golden State Warriors (valued at $4.9 billion) remain the league’s financial giants. Notably, the Lakers’ valuation is up 6 % year‑on‑year, reflecting the brand’s continued global expansion and the impact of the “Laker Brand” endorsement deals.

Other high‑value NBA teams—Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and the Boston Celtics—rank in the $3.5 billion–$4.0 billion range. The league’s total valuation surged by roughly 11 % over 2023, propelled by lucrative broadcasting deals (especially the NBA’s expanded partnership with ESPN+ and the emerging “NBA League Pass” subscriptions) and a surge in merchandise sales fueled by the league’s growing global fanbase.

3. European Football’s Enduring Allure

The European football clubs continue to command the highest valuations outside the United States, with Manchester United leading the charge at $4.8 billion. The club’s valuation climbed by 4 % in 2024, reflecting not only its robust commercial deals—particularly with Nike and the “Premier League” TV rights—but also a resurgence of profitability as club revenue grows from matchday sales and streaming services.

Chelsea FC follows at $4.3 billion, while Real Madrid and Barcelona hover at $4.0 billion each. These clubs see a blend of domestic and international revenue: the La Liga TV rights, massive sponsorship deals (e.g., Nike’s multi‑year partnership with Barcelona), and a growing emphasis on digital fan engagement platforms. Notably, the “Big Five” (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1) collectively account for over $200 billion in total valuation, a testament to European football’s entrenched commercial infrastructure.

4. Emerging Market Leaders

While the “big four” sports leagues dominate the top spots, a handful of teams from other regions have made impressive leaps:

FC Bayern Munich (Germany) is valued at $3.8 billion, up 5 % from 2023, due largely to the club’s aggressive sponsorship strategy and the “DFB” (German Football Association) broadcast deals.
Sydney Swans (Australia) and Rugby United (Canada) each saw valuations jump to the $600 million–$800 million range, reflecting the growing popularity of Australian Rules Football and rugby in North America.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Japan) reached a valuation of $400 million, underscoring the rising value of Nippon Professional Baseball.

These outliers illustrate a broadening global market for sports franchises, as teams in traditionally non‑dominant markets tap into local and regional sponsorships, digital media, and international fan communities.

5. Methodology & Data Sources

Forbes’ valuation methodology relies on a blend of primary financial data (e.g., revenue, operating income, debt, and asset base) and secondary data such as market caps and brand valuation estimates from independent firms like Interbrand. The firm also incorporates data from Statista’s comprehensive “Valuation of Sports Teams” datasets, which provide granular insights into revenue streams and cost structures.

Notably, the 2024 list places greater emphasis on “operational profitability” than past years—a move the author Brett Knight argues is essential to gauge a team’s true economic health in a post‑pandemic environment.

6. Key Takeaways

NFL teams remain the most valuable across all leagues, with the Cowboys leading by a sizable margin.
The NBA’s valuation growth is outpacing the NFL’s on a percentage basis, driven largely by streaming and digital engagement.
European football clubs still hold the top positions outside the United States, with the “Big Five” leagues collectively representing a vast valuation pool.
Emerging markets—particularly in Asia and Australia—are witnessing rapid value appreciation, pointing to a more geographically diverse sports economy.
Profitability metrics have become a focal point in valuations, underscoring a shift from revenue‑centric to profit‑centric assessments.

7. Looking Ahead

The Forbes rankings suggest that the sports‑franchise economy is poised for continued expansion. The next edition in 2025 will likely see more pronounced growth in streaming revenue, as clubs and leagues negotiate deeper digital deals. In addition, the rise of esports and hybrid sports (e.g., cricket’s “Big Bash League” and rugby’s “Super Rugby” tournaments) may create new valuation categories, challenging the dominance of traditional leagues.

For now, the 2024 Forbes list remains a vital barometer for investors, sports executives, and fans alike—offering a snapshot of which teams are not only winning on the field but also dominating the balance sheet.

Sources: Forbes “The World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2024” (December 12, 2024), Statista’s “Sports Team Valuation Data”, and supplementary Forbes features on individual franchise valuations.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2024/12/12/the-worlds-50-most-valuable-sports-teams-2024/ ]