According to Forbes, the average NFL team is worth $1 billion.
The 2008 average valuation for the 32 NFL teams was $1.04 billion, up 8.7 percent from last year’s $957 million due to the sport’s popularity and cash-generating new stadiums, said Forbes magazine, which releases its rankings annually. Ten years ago when Forbes first valued NFL teams, the average franchise was worth $288 million.
The NFL is the most popular U.S. sports league with strong television ratings and annual league revenue topping $7 billion. While TV ratings have slipped over the last decade, NFL games still boast the strongest ratings among sports leagues.
Several teams benefited from new stadiums — either completed or under construction — that include more cash- generating luxury boxes. Those included the Indianapolis Colts, which jumped 13 spots to No. 8, with a value of $1.076 billion, Forbes said. The Colts are playing this season in a new stadium.
The top three teams in the Forbes list were the same as last year: the Dallas Cowboys ($1.612 billion), the Washington Redskins ($1.538 billion) and the New England Patriots ($1.324 billion). The Redskins have the highest estimated revenue and operating income at $327 million and $58.1 million, respectively.
According to Forbes, the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are worth the least. With how big a fan base is in Oakland, it’s surprising that the Raiders are down that far. Interesting article, though.
