Forbes magazine has rated Manchester United as the richest sports franchise in the world once again, ahead of Real Madrid and several major American franchises.
After enduring a trophyless season (although they did win the Community Shield), the club has some good news to report with regards to its overall value. Finance magazine Forbes reports that United are valued at US$2.23 billion while La Liga giants Real are second with a value-tag of US$1.88 billion in the list of the richest sports teams in the world.
United’s brand value has soared due to the continual expansion of the club’s fanbase as well as strong sales of club merchandise despite the backdrop of economic uncertainty in the European and American financial markets. Lucrative deals signed with club shirt sponsor Aon, training jersey sponsor DHL and Nike, who have a long-standing association with the Mancunian giants and pay $39 million annually, have also helped contribute to the strong performance.
The Glazer family, which owns the club, is said to be in talks with the New York Stock Exchange and is mulling the sale of shares of the club although they will retain majority ownership.
Real have surged up the rankings as they were in fifth position last year. They are followed by MLB giants New York Yankees and the NFL franchises of Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in the top five. Forbes reports that a new labor agreement within the NFL as well as a new round of TV contracts could boost the revenues of the NFL teams in the coming year.
Real’s La Liga rivals Barcelona achieved eighth position in the list with a value of US$1.31 billion while Arsenal are two places behind with a net worth of US$1.29 billion.
From the world of motorsports, Ferrari have been placed 15th on the list ahead of the likes of Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Red Sox, AC Milan and Chelsea.
Interestingly, neither current Barclays Premier League winners Manchester City nor 18-time league winners Liverpool made the cut in the list of the top fifty richest sports teams in the world this year.
Forbes’ Top 10 Most Valuable Sports Teams
in the World
1) Manchester United (US$2.23 billion)
2) Real Madrid
(US$1.88 billion)
3) New York Yankees (US$1.85 billion)
4) Dallas Cowboys
(US$1.85 billion)
5) Washington Redskins (US$1.56 billion)
6) Los Angeles Dodgers (US$1.4 billion)
7) New England Patriots (US$1.4 billion)
8) Barcelona
(US$1.31 billion)
9) New York Giants
(US$1.3 billion)
10) Arsenal
(US$1.29 billion)
Source: ESPN