The Dallas Cowboys may be America’s Team – and they’re also the country’s most valuable sports team.
But they’re not the world’s most valuable team – that title goes to soccer’s Real Madrid. That’s according to Forbes, which this week released its annual list of the world’s 50 most valuable teams.
Real Madrid ranked No. 1 with a value of $3.26 billion. The Cowboys weren’t far behind at $3.2 billion – the ‘Boys tied for second with the New York Yankees.
The Texas Rangers ranked No. 46 -- valued at $1.22 billion. The Dallas Mavericks ranked No. 49, with a value of $1.15 billion.
The Cowboys have been the NFL’s most valuable team for the past eight years (the Washington Redskins were the last football team to rank ahead of Dallas in 2006). The team’s home, AT&T Stadium, is a cash cow. The Cowboys generate more than $100 million annually from both premium seating and sponsors, anchored by their 25-year, $500 million stadium naming rights deal with AT&T. The Cowboys are the most profitable team in sports with operating income of $246 million thanks to revenue that is 31% higher than any other NFL team and the NFL’s salary cap.
There are 51 teams on the list this year thanks to a three-way tie.
Forbes says 62 sports franchises are worth at least $1 billion.
Dallas vs. Houston
In the ongoing Dallas vs. Houston battle: The Houston Texans are ranked No. 16, valued at $1.85 billion. In basketball, the Houston Rockets rank No. 42 with a value of $1.25 billion.
Football dominates
The NFL is well-represented on Forbes’ list of the top 50 teams. NFL teams earned 20 of the 50 spots. MLB had 12 teams, while the NBA had 10 teams, Forbes says.
