Despite ongoing concerns regarding player safety, American football continues to thrive, both in popularity and financial valuation. A recent report highlights a substantial rise in the worth of NFL franchises, showcasing a strong market even amid discussions around player health and safety on the field.
The Financial Upsurge of NFL Teams
Every year, debates about the safety of football intensify. Despite initiatives aimed at protecting players, injuries remain common, with incidents ranging from concussions to severe physical harm. However, the allure of football remains unabated. Viewership is on the rise, stadiums are consistently filled, and activities like fantasy football and sports betting are gaining traction.
According to CNBC, team valuations have surged by 18% over the past year, bringing the average worth of an NFL franchise to a staggering $7.65 billion. Notably, 11 teams currently boast valuations exceeding $8 billion, underscoring the lucrative nature of team ownership.
Leading Valuations in the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys, under the leadership of Jerry Jones, retain their position as the most valuable team in the league, valued at $12.5 billion. Despite a challenging season, the Cowboys generated the highest revenue in the league, totaling $1.27 billion, with $300 million stemming from sponsorships.
Closely following are the Los Angeles Rams, valued at $10.7 billion, owned by Stan Kroenke. The New York Giants, managed by John Mara and Steven Tisch, are not far behind, with a valuation of $10.5 billion. The increasing valuations signify a trend where even a small ownership stake can prove highly profitable.
Recent months have seen a flurry of ownership stake changes. Robert Kraft purchased the New England Patriots for $172 million in 1994 and recently sold 8% of his stake at a valuation of $9 billion. Additionally, Julia Koch acquired a 10% share of the New York Giants for $10.3 billion, while the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears have also sold minor stakes valuing their franchises at $8.6 billion and $8.9 billion, respectively.
Performance and Valuation Disconnect
Interestingly, recent playoff performances do not seem to impact team valuations significantly. The Giants, for instance, have secured just one playoff victory since their last Super Bowl win in 2011. The Chicago Bears and New York Jets have managed a combined two playoff appearances without any wins since 2010. In fact, the Miami Dolphins last claimed a playoff victory in 2000, and the Las Vegas Raiders have not won since their Super Bowl appearance in 2002.
This trend suggests that owning an NFL team can be a lucrative investment, regardless of on-field success. Below is the list of NFL teams valued at $8 billion or more:
- Dallas Cowboys: $12.5 billion
- Los Angeles Rams: $10.7 billion
- New York Giants: $10.5 billion
- Las Vegas Raiders: $9.3 billion
- New England Patriots: $9.25 billion
- New York Jets: $9.1 billion
- Chicago Bears: $8.9 billion
- San Francisco 49ers: $8.6 billion
- Miami Dolphins: $8.55 billion
- Philadelphia Eagles: $8.5 billion
- Atlanta Falcons: $8 billion
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