Dallas Cowboys retain status as world’s most valuable team

The Dallas Cowboys, who topped Forbes’ annual list released on Thursday and was dominated by NFL teams, continue to be considered the world’s most valuable sports team.

The Cowboys, who overcame Spanish football team Real Madrid in 2016, have led the rankings since then, earning a 29% increase over the same period last year.

The Golden State Warriors, the NBA’s top team, came in second with a valuation of $11 billion (£8.2 billion), followed by the NFL teams of the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants (10.5%/£7.5bn), while another NBA team, the Los Angeles Lakers (10.5%/£7.5bn), finished in third place.

While Liverpool, United’s Premier League rival, fell from 27th in 2024 to joint 48th with a valuation of $5.4 billion (£4.9 billion), United were valued at $6.6 billion (£4.9 billion) to sit joint 24th with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

La Liga giants Real ($6.75bn/£5bn) were ranked 20th, while reigning Spanish champions Barcelona ($5.65bn/£4.2bn) were 42nd.

30 of the 32 NFL teams are among the top 50 most valuable organizations, followed by 12 NBA franchises and two Premier League teams, each from Major League Baseball, Formula One, La Liga, and the Premier League.

The New York Yankees ($8.2bn/£6.1bn) are in 10th place as the most valuable MLB franchise, while Ferrari’s F1 team ($6.5bn/£4.9bn) are 26th and Mercedes ($6bn/£4.5bn) 34th.

1. Dallas Cowboys, NFL: $13bn (£9.7bn)

2. Golden State Warriors, NBA: $11bn (£8.2bn)

3. Los Angeles Rams, NFL: $10.5bn (£7.8bn)

4. New York Giants, NFL: $10.1bn (£7.5bn)

5. Los Angeles Lakers, NBA: $10b (£7.5bn)

6. New York Knicks, NBA: $9.75bn (£7.3bn)

7. New England Patriots, NFL: $9bn (£6.7bn)

8. San Francisco 49ers, NFL: $8.6bn (£6.4bn)

9. Philadelphia Eagles, NFL: $8.3bn (£6.2bn)