Most Valuable Sports Franchises

As 2023 comes to a close, here’s a look at the most valuable sports franchises in the world. All numbers are according to Forbes’ latest estimates.

Jerry Jones’ franchise continues to top this list. It shouldn’t be a surprise anymore. Jones purchased the team in 1989 for $150 million and it’s now estimated to be worth $9 billion.

The Steinbrenner family purchased the Yankees for $8.8 million in 1973. It was a sound investment. The franchise is now worth more than $7 billion.

Robert Kraft is undoutedly one of the most successful owners in all of sports. He purchased the Patriots in 1994 when the moribund franchise cost him $172 million. The Pats are now worth $7 billion.

Joe Lacob and Peter Guber purchased the Warriors in 2010 for $450 million. Since then they’ve won four championships and continue to rise in value, topping the $7 billion mark.

Stan Kroenke’s decision to move the Rams to Los Angeles has paid off financially. He purchased the team in 2010 for $750 million and its now nearing the $7 billion mark.

John Mara and Steve Tisch are two of the NFL’s best owners. Mara’s family paid $500 to start the Giants in 1925, Tisch bought into the ownership group in 1991 when the franchise was worth $150 million. Both investments have paid off.

The McCaskey family paid a cool $100 to start the Bears back in 1920 and the franchise is now worth more than $6 billion. One of the best investments in sports history.

Al Davis took control of the Raiders for $180,000 in 1966. His son, Mark Davis moved the team to Las Vegas in 2020, and now has a financial juggernaut on his hands. The Raiders are worth more than $6 billion.

The Knicks have always been a financial powerhouse. James Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Sports bought the franchise for $300 million in 1997. That’s been a fantastic purchase as the Knicks are now worth $6.1 billion.

The Johnson family of Johnson & Johnson fame bought the Jets for $635 million in 2000. The franchise is now worth nearly 10 times that.

Real Madrid is the world’s most valuable soccer club and over the past five years it has increased in value by 48 percent.

Josh Harris purchased the Commanders for $6.05 billion in 2023, but the franchise’s value has nearly doubled in the past five years.

Long the most-valuable English soccer club, the Glazer family purchased Manchester United in 2005 for $995 million. The value has increased six times over since then.

The Debartolo family has long been known as a great ownership group. They purchased the 49ers for $13 million in 1977. Denise Debartolo York and her husband, John York are the currently owners and the franchise has now topped $6 billion.

Jerry Buss Family Trusts owns the Lakers, with Jeanie Buss currently running things. Jerry Buss paid $20 million in 1967, while Mark Walter and Todd Boehly bought a 27 percent stake in 2021.