Ranked: The Most Valuable Sports Teams in 2026
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Key Takeaways
- The Dallas Cowboys remain the world’s most valuable sports team, despite not appearing in a Super Bowl for 30 years.
- NFL teams dominate overall valuations, while NBA franchises post some of the fastest growth rates.
This visualization ranks the most valuable sports teams in the world in 2026, highlighting both long-established dynasties and fast-rising franchises. It also shows how financial success does not always align with on-field results.
Values are shown in U.S. dollars and include year-over-year percentage changes. The data for this visualization comes from Forbes.
The Cowboys Lead—Even Without Recent Titles
The Dallas Cowboys top the rankings at $13.0 billion, making them the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
Notably, the team has not appeared in a Super Bowl since the 1995 season, when it defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite this long championship drought, the Cowboys’ brand power, national fanbase, and lucrative sponsorships continue to drive unmatched financial success.
| Rank | Team | Value (Billions) | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Cowboys | $13.0 | NFL |
| 2 | Golden State Warriors | $11.0 | NBA |
| 3 | Los Angeles Rams | $10.5 | NFL |
| 4 | New York Giants | $10.1 | NFL |
| 5 | Los Angeles Lakers | $10.0 | NBA |
| 6 | New York Knicks | $9.75 | NBA |
| 7 | New England Patriots | $9.0 | NFL |
| 8 | San Francisco 49ers | $8.6 | NFL |
| 9 | Philadelphia Eagles | $8.3 | NFL |
| 10 | Chicago Bears | $8.2 | NFL |
| 10 | New York Yankees | $8.2 | MLB |
| 12 | New York Jets | $8.1 | NFL |
| 13 | Las Vegas Raiders | $7.7 | NFL |
| 14 | Washington Commanders | $7.6 | NFL |
| 15 | Los Angeles Clippers | $7.5 | NBA |
| 15 | Miami Dolphins | $7.5 | NFL |
| 17 | Houston Texans | $7.4 | NFL |
| 18 | Denver Broncos | $6.8 | NFL |
| 18 | Los Angeles Dodgers | $6.8 | MLB |
| 20 | Real Madrid | $6.75 | La Liga |
Combined, NFL franchises account for 13 of the top 20 teams (65%), including the New England Patriots, who will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
NBA Growth Fueled by Star Power and Ownership
NBA teams show some of the fastest valuation growth on the list. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks both exceed $9 billion in value, reflecting the league’s global reach and star-driven appeal.
The Los Angeles Clippers, valued at $7.5 billion, are owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, whose investment in a new arena and aggressive spending has helped boost the franchise’s worth.
Notably, the Lakers and the current World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, share the same ownership group, underscoring how cross-sport portfolios can amplify brand value.
Soccer’s Global Reach, Limited Representation
Real Madrid is the only soccer club to make the top 20, valued at $6.75 billion. This is notable given soccer’s global popularity and the presence of superstar athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest-paid athlete in the world. It also reflects how the sports business is far more developed in the United States.
Learn More on the Voronoi App 
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