World's most valuable clubs - Who dominates global sport right now

New all-time high

The combined value of the world’s 50 most valuable sports teams has reached 353 billion dollars, setting a new record.

On average, each club in the ranking is valued at 7.1 billion dollars. That is 22 percent more than last year and more than double the level seen four years ago.

Cowboys keep the lead

The Dallas Cowboys have once again been named the most valuable sports franchise in the world. The NFL team has topped the ranking for a ninth consecutive year, with its value rising to 13 billion dollars, up 29 percent year on year.

Last season, the Cowboys generated more than 1.2 billion in revenue, outperforming every other sports team globally.

The ten-billion club

After the Cowboys became the first franchise to surpass the 10 billion dollar mark, several other giants have joined this elite group:

Golden State Warriors (basketball) – 11 billion dollars;
Los Angeles Rams (American football) – 10.5 billion dollars;
New York Giants (American football) – 10.1 billion dollars;
Los Angeles Lakers (basketball) – 10 billion dollars;

Another NBA team, the New York Knicks, is also close to the milestone, with a valuation of 9.75 billion dollars.

Broadcasting boom

Experts link the rapid rise in club valuations primarily to a surge in television and media rights revenue.

In particular, the NBA has signed 11-year broadcast deals worth 76 billion dollars, while the NFL has secured at least 125.5 billion dollars in media rights revenue through 2033.

As a result, average revenues for NBA and NFL teams have increased by 141 percent and 91 percent, respectively, over the past decade.

Real Madrid led the ranking ten years ago, but now it just closes out the top 20 (photo: x.com/realmadriden)

NFL – undisputed dominator

American football confidently leads the ranking: 30 of the 32 NFL clubs made it into the top 50.

By comparison, only four European football clubs appear on the list: Madrid’s Real (6.75 billion – 20th place), Manchester United (6.6 billion – 24th), Barcelona (5.65 billion – 42nd), and Liverpool (5.4 billion – 48th). Just ten years ago, Real Madrid topped the global ranking.

Formula 1 teams return to ranking (photo: Getty Images)

Formula 1 and the NBA regain positions

After a pause, Formula 1 has returned to the list – Ferrari and Mercedes teams are now valued at at least 6 billion dollars each.

Meanwhile, the NBA has 12 representatives in the top 50, second only to the NFL.

Most valuable clubs in the world, top 20 (previous year position in parentheses):

1. Dallas Cowboys (American football) – 13 billion;

2. Golden State Warriors (basketball) – 11 billion;

3. Los Angeles Rams (American football) – 10.5 billion;

4. New York Giants (American football) – 10.1 billion;

5. Los Angeles Lakers (basketball) – 10 billion;

6. New York Knicks (basketball) – 9.75 billion;

7. New England Patriots (American football) – 9 billion;

8. San Francisco 49ers (American football) – 8.6 billion;

9. Philadelphia Eagles (American football) – 8.3 billion;

10. Chicago Bears (American football) – 8.2 billion;

11. New York Yankees (baseball) – 8.2 billion;

12. New York Jets (American football) – 8.1 billion;

13. Las Vegas Raiders (American football) – 7.7 billion;

14. Washington Commanders (American football) – 7.6 billion;

15. Los Angeles Clippers (basketball) – 7.5 billion;

16. Miami Dolphins (American football) – 7.5 billion;

17. Houston Texans (American football) – 7.4 billion;

18. Denver Broncos (American football) – 6.8 billion;

19. Los Angeles Dodgers (baseball) – 6.8 billion;

20. Real Madrid (football) – 6.75 billion.

A symbol of a new era in sports

Summing up the 2025 ranking, experts note that at the current growth rates, financial valuations of sports clubs from even a decade ago now seem outdated.

Professional sports are increasingly establishing themselves as one of the most dynamic and profitable sectors in the global economy.