20 Most Valuable Sports Teams in the World for 2020

Believe it or not, some sports teams actually made money during the pandemic, despite the apparent lack of sport. Not just a little bit either, an absolute boatload. Forbes has released its list of the most valuable sports teams 2020 and the results show that even with fans stuck at home, seasons in doubt and revenue at record lows, the world’s richest sports franchises are somehow getting richer. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this year’s list of the most valuable sports teams, it’s that on-field success isn’t always the biggest driver of cash. Instead, it’s a healthy dose of heritage, fan support and star-power. You’ll also like: 10 Highest-Paid Athletes for 2020 At the beginning of 2020, we all had high hopes for another massive season of sport. For the first time in a long time, there was no clear-cut favourite in each of the major American sporting codes, similar to what we faced down under. But sadly, as it has to pretty much everything else, COVID-19 ravaged the sporting world, and indeed our sports teams. In Australia, players in the AFL and NRL were forced to take major pay-cuts in order to keep their teams alive, but it appears overseas, the same was not entirely true. Forbes’ Most Valuable Sports Teams 2020 list revealed that the major teams in the NFL, NBA and MLB were are keeping pace and at times exceeding revenue figures from last year, despite a wayward season that was put on hold during the key crowd periods. In fact, of the top 23 teams (three were tied for 20th place), 19 of them hailed from either the NFL, NBA or MLB, proving that sports in the US are indeed thriving. It goes without saying that the NFL has absolutely dominated the Most Valuable Sports Teams list this year, even after a ten-year run by the NBA lifted its average team value nearly sixfold, more than any other US sports league. An incredible 27 out of the top 50 most valuable sports teams were claimed by American football, a reflection of the game’s booming stadium appeal and television ratings. According to Adage, of the 100 top broadcasts in the US in 2019, 88 were sporting events and 73 were NFL games. The sporting code’s current US TV rights are worth USD$6.5 billion on average per year, but that number is expected to nearly double should an expected deal come in the next few months. In fact, the NFL broadcasting rights are so important, Fox even backed out of a 12-year deal to showcase golf’s US Open in order to afford it. The second most valuable code on the list is the NBA, which has once again scored a solid revenue stream. Three out of the top five most valuable sports teams came from basketball, with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors also netting big returns. But you can expect that may take a hit considering how abysmal the NBA ratings have been since the Disneyland Bubble experiment took off. Nevertheless, basketball remains big business. Here is a list of the 20 most valuable sports teams in the world for 2020.

1. Dallas Cowboys – USD$5.5 Billion

It’s the fifth year in a row that the Dallas Cowboys have taken out the top position in Forbes’ most valuable sports teams list, and it’s hardly a surprise. With NFL dominating the list and the Cowboys remaining the most prestigious team in the competition, the revenue continues to flow in. Sport: NFL Head coach: Mike McCarthy Owner: Jerry Jones Founded: 1960 Location: Dallas, Texas, United States NFL championships: 1996, 1994, 1993, 1978, 1972

2. New York Yankees – USD$5 Billion

Another unsurprising addition to the list is the New York Yankees. The globally-recognised brand has produced some major stars over the years, helping the team to near-record profits in recent times. It’s little wonder the Yankees have landed at number two in the most valuable sports teams list for 2020. Sport: MLB President of baseball operations: Randy Levine Principal owner(s): Yankee Global Enterprises; (Hal Steinbrenner chairman) Founded: 1903 Manager: Aaron Boone

3. New York Knicks – USD$4.6 Billion

While on the court, the Knicks are in a shambles, off the court, the organisation has never looked better. Worth a whopping USD$4.6 billion, the Knicks have managed to generate significant revenue over the past year, despite the apparent lack of team chemistry. Sport: NBA Head coach: Mike Miller Owner: James Dolan Arena/Stadium: Madison Square Garden Founded: 1946 General manager: Scott Perry

4. Los Angeles Lakers – USD$4.4 Billion

The Los Angeles Lakers were already a major force to be reckoned with in terms of revenue, but when LeBron James joined the team in 2018, things improved astronomically. Now with a finals appearance insight, the James-led Lakers are prepping for a big year, on and off the court. Sport: NBA Head coach: Frank Vogel Trending Founded: 1947 Arena/Stadium: STAPLES Center Owners: Joey Buss, Johnny Buss, Jesse Buss, Jim Buss, Jeanie Buss, Janie Buss

5. Golden State Warriors – USD$4.3 Billion

Five years of dominance and the world’s hottest player will help you go a long way in today’s sporting world. For Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors, that has led to a valuation of around USD$4.3 billion, making them the fifth most valuable sports team in the world. Splash. Sport: NBA Head coach: Steve Kerr Arena/Stadium: Chase Center Location: San Francisco, California, United States Owners: Joseph S. Lacob (majority), Peter Guber

6. Real Madrid – USD$4.24 Billion

The world’s biggest football team is scoring goals off the pitch again this year. Real Madrid netted a valuation of around USD$4.4 billion thanks to some major success on the football field. In a sport that is dominated by huge pay-cheques, Real Madrid may have scored the biggest. Sport: Football Head coach: Zinedine Zidane Owner: Florentino Perez Arena/Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Location: Madrid, Spain Leagues: UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup

7. New England Patriots – USD$4.1 Billion

Even without Tom Brady, the Pats are still worth a pretty penny. According to Forbes, the New England team is worth a whopping USD$4.1 billion, good enough for the seventh spot on the list of most valuable sports teams for 2020. Sport: NFL Arena/Stadium: Gillette Stadium Head coach: Bill Belichick Location: New England, United States Owner: Robert Kraft NFL championships: 2019, 2017, 2015, 2005, 2004, 2002

8. Barcelona – USD$4.02 Billion

Having Messi on your team does have its benefits. Not content with being the richest football team in the world, Barcelona has upped its valuation again this year. Sport: Football Manager: Quique Setién Trending Head coach: Quique Setién Arena/Stadium: Camp Nou Leagues: UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey Parent organisation: FC Barcelona

9. New York Giants – USD$3.9 Billion

It’s been a few years we saw the Giants make the NFL playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped the New York team from making bulk cash. According to Forbes, the Giants are the ninth most valuable sports team in the world, with a net worth of around USD$3.9 billion. Sport: NFL Arena/Stadium: MetLife Stadium Head coach: Joe Judge Location: New York Metropolitan Area, United States NFL championships: 2012, 2008, 1991, 1987 Owners: John Mara, Steve Tisch

10. Manchester United – USD$3.8 Billion

The Red Devils are probably the most recognisable football team in Europe and the organisation is reaping the rewards. With a valuation of USD$3.8 billion, Manchester United rounds out the top ten most valuable sports teams in the world for this year. Sport: Football Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjær Arena/Stadium: Old Trafford Owner: Manchester United (NYSE: MANU) Founder: Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Founded: 1878, Newton Heath, Manchester, United Kingdom

11. Los Angeles Rams – USD$3.8 Billion

Despite only having one championship under its belt, the Los Angeles Rams have become a monster of the sport. The support of the wider LA community has bolstered the team astronomically, swelling the team’s valuation to around USD$3.8 billion. While not quite big enough to land them a top ten spot, with some consistent results and a future playoff birth, we could very well see the Rams climb Forbes’ list. Sport: NFL Arena: SoFi Stadium Head coach: Sean McVay NFL championships: 2000 Owner: Stan Kroenke Locations: Los Angeles, California, United States, Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, California, United States

12. San Francisco 49ers – USD$3.5 Billion

A great year for the 49ers on the field has resulted in some impressive returns off it. Fresh off a finals appearance, the San Francisco team has netted a valuation of USD$3.5 billion, which is just a splash in the water compared to the amount of money in Silicone Valley. Sport: NFL Head coach: Kyle Shanahan Arena/Stadium: Levi’s Stadium Owner: Denise DeBartolo York Mascot: Sourdough Sam NFL championships: 1995, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1982

13. Chicago Bears – USD$3.45 Billion

Chicago loves sports, honestly, the long-suffering fans will put up with anything. Thanks to their dedication, the Bears have managed to rustle up a valuation of USD$3.45 billion, which is an insane amount of money for a perennial underperformer. Sport: NFL NFL championships: 1986 Arena/Stadium: Soldier Field Head coach: Matt Nagy Owner: Virginia Halas McCaskey Fight song: Bear Down, Chicago Bears

14. Los Angeles Dodgers – USD$3.4 Billion (Tied)

Another LA team that is leveraging a solid fan base and the city’s love of casual sports, the Dodgers have come a long way since the early Brooklyn days. Looking at them now, you don’t see the team going back any time soon. Sport: MLB President of baseball operations: Andrew Friedman AA Pennants (1): 1889 Owner: Guggenheim Baseball Management Retired numbers: 1; 2; 4; 19; 20; 24; 32; 39; 42; 53 Arena/Stadium: Dodger Stadium World Series championships: 1988, 1981, 1965, 1963, 1959, 1955

14. Washington Football Team – USD$3.4 Billion (Tied)

Naming conventions aside, Washington has made some serious cash over the past few years, swelling the team’s valuation to around USD$3.4 billion. With the current contention slowly lifting, things are looking up for the NFL team. Sport: NFL Former name: Boston Redskins Arena/Stadium: FedExField Owner: Daniel Snyder Location: Washington, D.C., United States NFL championships: 1992, 1988, 1983

16. Boston Red Sox – USD$3.3 Billion

Boston, like Chicago, is a city full of sports-mad fans. Unlike Chicago, however, these fans have become accustomed to winning and the Red Sox have been more than happy to accommodate. The most-hated baseball team in the world is ticking off goals and netting championships like it’s nobodies business, leading to a whopping USD$3.3 billion valuation. Sport: MLB President of Baseball Operations: Chaim Bloom (Chief Baseball Officer) Owner: John William Henery II East Division titles (10): 1975; 1986; 1988; 1990; 1995; 2007; 2013; 2016; 2017; 2018 AL Pennants (14): 1903; 1904; 1912; 1915; 1916; 1918; 1946; 1967; 1975; 1986; 2004; 2007; 2013; 2018 Retired numbers: 1; 4; 6; 8; 9; 14; 26; 27; 34; 45; 42 World Series championships: 2018, 2013, 2007, 2004, 1918, 1916, 1915, 1912, 1903

17. Chicago Bulls – USD$3.2 Billion (Tied)

While the heydays of Michael Jordan’s Bulls are long gone, you shouldn’t count out the Chicago team. Despite a series of poor performance and years of playoff failings, the fans have stood by the team and it’s paid off for the organisation, landing it as the 17th most valuable sports team in the world. Sport: NBA History: Chicago Bulls; 1966–present Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf Head coach: Jim Boylen General manager: Marc Eversley Arena/Stadium: United Center

17. Chicago Cubs – USD$3.2 Billion (Tied)

The Bulls’ cross-code pals, the Cubs have also made the most valuable sports teams 2020 list, thanks to a healthy valuation of USD$3.2 billion. Fresh off a big victory in 2016, the team’s first in 108 years, the Cubs have slowly been securing greater membership numbers and revenue streams, making them a true force to be reckoned with. Sport: MLB President of baseball operations: Theo Epstein Owner(s): Thomas S. Ricketts, Laura Ricketts, Pete Ricketts, Todd Ricketts, Joe Ricketts East Division titles (2): 1984; 1989 Central Division titles (5): 2003; 2007; 2008; 2016; 2017 Retired numbers: 10; 14; 23; 26; 31; 31; 42 World Series championships: 2016, 1908, 1907

17. New York Jets – USD$3.2 Billion (Tied)

The Jets have a history of underperforming, but not when it comes to Forbes’ list of the most valuable sports franchises on the planet. For years, we’ve seen the New York team pick up some serious dough and 2020 is no exception, despite the COVID-concerns. Sport: NFL Head coach: Adam Gase Owner: Woody and Christopher Johnson Arena/Stadium: MetLife Stadium NFL championships: 1969 Division: AFC East General manager: Joe Douglas

20. Boston Celtics – USD$3.1 Billion (Tied)

With a solid string of performances over the past few years, the Celtics have more than proved their worth on the court. A USD$3.1 billion valuation doesn’t hurt either. Sport: NBA History: Boston Celtics; 1946–present Head coach: Brad Stevens Arena/Stadium: TD Garden Mascot: Lucky the Leprechaun Owner: Boston Basketball Partners

20. Houston Texans – USD$3.1 Billion (Tied)

Houston’s football-mad fans have a lot to answer for. With the Texans netting a USD$3.1 billion valuation this year, that’s good enough for 20th spot on the most valuable sports franchises list for 2020. Sport: NFL Head coach: Bill O’Brien Arena/Stadium: NRG Stadium Division: AFC South Founded: 6 October 1999 Owner: Janice McNair

20. San Francisco Giants – USD$3.1 Billion (Tied)

Rounding out the top 20 most valuable sports teams for this year is the San Francisco Giants. The successful organisation has leveraged some big fan numbers and membership to net another year of growth, while at the same time proving there is big money in America’s national pastime. Sport: MLB President of baseball operations: Farhan Zaidi Owner: Greg Johnson West Division titles (8): 1971; 1987; 1989; 1997; 2000; 2003; 2010; 2012 Retired numbers: NY; NY; 3; 4; 11; 20; 24; 25; 27; 30; 36; 44; 42 Wild card berths (3): 2002; 2014; 2016 Mascots: Lou Seal, Crazy Crab You’ll also like: 10 Highest-Paid Athletes for 2020 6 Largest Athlete Endorsement Deals in the Modern Era 25 Most Jacked Olympians at Tokyo 2020

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