The World's Most Valuable and Profitable Sports Franchises in 2025
In the high-stakes world of professional sports, financial success often speaks louder than trophies. The biggest sports franchises aren't just competing for titles—they're also battling for billion-dollar revenues, global sponsorships, and soaring valuations. As of 2025, the most profitable sports teams have solidified their positions at the top, with record-breaking revenues and strategic business ventures that make them more valuable than ever.
From the Dallas Cowboys, valued at a staggering $10.1 billion, to Premier League giants like Manchester United, these franchises are proof that sports is big business. But who else makes the cut, and what makes these clubs so financially dominant? Let’s break down the numbers and find out.
Top 10 Most Profitable Sports Teams in 2025
According to Forbes, the top 20 most profitable sports franchises generated a combined operating income of $3.9 billion, with the average profit per team reaching $195 million—a 12% increase from last year.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 most profitable teams of 2025:
| Rank | Club | Estimated Profit | Estimated Value | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Cowboys | $564 million | $10.1 billion | Jerry Jones |
| 2 | Los Angeles Rams | $286 million | $7.6 billion | E. Stanley Kroenke |
| 3 | New England Patriots | $261 million | $7.4 billion | Robert Kraft |
| 4 | Edmonton Oilers | $213 million | $2.65 billion | Daryl Katz |
| 5 | Los Angeles Lakers | $199 million | $7.1 billion | Jerry Buss Family Trusts, et al |
| 6 | New York Giants | $190 million | $7.3 billion | John Mara, Steven Tisch |
| 7 | Manchester United | $187 million | $6.55 billion | Glazer family, James Ratcliffe |
| 8 | Golden State Warriors | $172 million | $7.3 billion | Joe Lacob, Peter Guber |
| 9 | New York Knicks | $165 million | $6.1 billion | Madison Square Garden Sports |
| 10 | Tottenham Hotspur | $133 million | $4.3 billion | ENIC Group, Daniel Levy |
The NFL's Financial Dominance
The National Football League (NFL) continues to be the most dominant force in global sports finance, with nine of its teams featured in the top 20 list. The NFL’s unmatched broadcasting deals, lucrative sponsorship agreements, and steady ticket sales keep the league leagues ahead of competitors.
The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as "America’s Team," stand tall as the most valuable and profitable franchise in the world. In 2023 alone, they brought in nearly $800 million in local revenue, more than double what other NFL teams made. Their financial success stems from factors such as:
- Stadium Ownership: The Cowboys own and operate AT&T Stadium, ensuring maximum revenue from events and corporate partnerships.
- Merchandising Power: Cowboys-branded merchandise is among the best-selling in the world.
- Global Appeal: With a vast international fanbase, the Cowboys command sponsorships from major global brands.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams also enjoy massive profits due to their strong regional support and playoff successes in recent years.
The NBA's Global Appeal
Basketball has seen a surge in popularity globally, and the financial strength of NBA teams reflects this trend. The Los Angeles Lakers, valued at $7.1 billion, are one of the most iconic franchises in the world, drawing millions of fans from every corner of the globe.
The Lakers, along with the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks, continue to benefit from:
- Lucrative TV Contracts: The NBA’s global reach via broadcast deals with networks and streaming services.
- Star Power: High-profile players such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry enhance brand visibility and sponsorship appeal.
- Merchandise and Partnerships: Extensive merchandising and corporate deals help drive revenue beyond ticket sales.
The Golden State Warriors, with their recent championship success, have turned their brand into a global powerhouse, bringing in $172 million in profit in 2025.
Soccer’s Billion-Dollar Powerhouses
While American sports franchises dominate the list, football (soccer) remains a massive global business, with clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City making the cut.
- Manchester United tops the soccer world with a $6.55 billion valuation, driven by their loyal global fanbase, broadcasting revenues, and extensive sponsorship deals.
- Tottenham Hotspur, often seen as an underdog, recorded profits of $133 million, benefiting from the club’s state-of-the-art stadium and strategic commercial partnerships.
- Manchester City has enjoyed financial growth thanks to their on-pitch success and global marketing strategies.
Despite football’s global popularity, its financial model—heavily reliant on player transfers and salaries—makes it challenging for clubs to compete with the profitability of NFL teams.
Surprises and Snubs: Where’s Major League Baseball?
Interestingly, no Major League Baseball (MLB) teams made it into the top 20 most profitable franchises in 2025. The league faces mounting challenges, including declining attendance figures, high player salaries, and luxury tax penalties.
In contrast, the New York Mets have been labeled as the world’s most unprofitable sports franchise, with an operating loss of $292 million due to an inflated payroll and substantial tax burdens.
Related: The 10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes of 2024: A Transformative Year for Women's Sports
Related: The World’s Highest-Paying Sports: Leagues, Teams, and Salaries
Key Factors Behind Sports Franchise Profitability
What makes some teams more financially successful than others? Here are a few critical elements driving profitability:
- Market Size: Large metropolitan areas provide bigger fanbases and more corporate sponsorship opportunities.
- Brand Value: Historic teams with global appeal, such as Manchester United or the Lakers, attract higher revenue streams.
- Media Deals: Multi-billion-dollar broadcast agreements fuel profitability for major leagues like the NFL and NBA.
- Sponsorships: Deals with global brands add significant revenue beyond matchday income.
- Smart Investments: Clubs that own their stadiums and control revenue streams see greater long-term profits.
The Future of Sports Business
With the rise of digital streaming, esports, and global expansion, sports franchises are exploring new ways to grow their brands and revenue streams. Some trends shaping the future include:
- NFTs and Digital Collectibles: Teams are leveraging blockchain technology to create new revenue streams.
- International Expansion: Franchises are expanding into emerging markets like China and India.
- Tech-Driven Fan Engagement: Augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI-driven insights are creating more personalised fan experiences.
Experts predict that by 2030, the first sports franchise could surpass a $15 billion valuation, with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, or Manchester United as the most likely contenders.
The world’s most valuable sports franchises continue to thrive, thanks to smart business strategies, global branding, and strategic investments. Whether it’s the NFL’s dominance, the NBA’s global appeal, or soccer’s passionate following, these teams prove that sports is no longer just a game—it’s a billion-dollar industry.
