In the high-stakes world of professional sports, franchises have evolved into sophisticated business empires, attracting global investment and generating revenue that rivals multinational corporations. With TV rights deals, global fan engagement, merchandise sales, and lucrative sponsorships, the value of a sports franchise now extends far beyond athletic performance. Forbes‘ latest valuation of the world’s most valuable sports franchises reflects this seismic shift—where branding, media presence, and market reach are as important as trophies. This article ranks the top ten franchises by value, offering insights into the ownership, venues, and strategic positioning behind their financial dominance.
10. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers are San Francisco based American football team. They have been valued at $6.8 billion. The team is owned by the York family. The team competes in the National Football League (NFL) and plays its home games at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. In June 2023, the American group also became the owner of the English football club Leeds United.
9. New York Jets
The next team on the list is New York Jets. Like San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets is also an American football team and features in the National Football League. The Forbes values the New York Jets at $6.9 billion. New York Jets is co-owned by American billionaire brothers Woody Johnson and Christopher Johnson. New York Jets play their home matches at the MetLife Stadium. The venue will be the site for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final and the 2025 FIFA World Cup final.
8. Los Angeles Lakers
Basketball team Los Angeles Lakers are the eighth most valuable sports franchise in the world. The team has been valued at $7.1 billion and features in the National Basketball Association (NBA). With 17 NBA titles, Los Angles Lakers are the second-most successful team in the tournament’s history. American businesswoman Jeanie Buss has the controlling owner of the team. American billionaire Todd Boehly, who also is co-owns English football club Chelsea, is one of the minority stake holder of Los Angeles Lakers.
7. New York Giants
New York Jets’ intra-city rivals New York Giants have been valued at $7.3 billion. New York Giants also play their home games at the MetLife Stadium. The team is jointly owned by billionaires Steve Tisch and John Mara.
6. New England Patriots
The next team to feature on the list is New England Patriots. The Forbes’ values the team at $ 7.4 billion. The American football team is based in Greater Boston area and plays its games at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots is owned by American billionaire Robert Kraft.
5. New York Knicks
Basketball team New York Knicks have been valued at $7.5 billion. The team is owned by owned by James Dolan and his family, who control Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation. New York Knicks play its home games at Madison Square Garden, an arena they share with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.
Also Read: World’s Richest Sports Team Owners As Of 2025
4. New York Yankees
Another New York based sports team to feature on this lucrative list is New York Yankees. New York Yankess is a baseball team and features in Major League Baseball. The team is valued at $7.55 billion. The Yankees are owned by Yankee Global Enterprises which in turn is controlled by the Steinbrenner family.
3. Los Angeles Rams
American football team Los Angeles Rams is the third-highest valued sports franchise in the world. The team’s value is $7.60 billion. The Rams play in National Football League and plays its home games at the SoFi Stadium. American billionaire Stan Korenke owns the team. Korenke is also the owner of Premier League giants Arsenal.
2. Golden State Warriors
Basketball team Golden State Warriors is the second-most valued sports franchise in the world at $8.8 billion. The team competes in the National Basketball Association and is based in San Francisco. Chase Center in California is the home venue for Golden State Warriors. The team is co-owned by American billionaires Joe Lacob and Peter Guber.
1. Dallas Cowboys
At $10.1 billion, Dallas Cowboys remains the most valued sports franchise in the world. Dallas Cowboys is an American Football team and features in the National Football League. The team has retained its position on the list for nine straight years. Dallas Cowboys play their home games at the AT&T Stadium. The team is owned by American businessman Jerry Jones.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
