The Dallas Cowboys made history as the first sports franchise ever to exceed a $10 billion valuation, according to Sportico.
Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the team’s value has reached a staggering $10.32 billion, reinforcing their long-standing position as the most valuable sports franchise globally.
In the previous year, Forbes listed the Cowboys as the top sports franchise with a valuation of $9 billion.
Despite not winning the Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys have achieved remarkable financial milestones. They stand at the top of the mountain when it comes to branding.
The franchise was acquired by Jerry Jones in 1989 for $140 million. Jones could potentially sell the team for over $10 billion, but he has firmly stated he would “never” consider such a move. (Although some Cowboys fans wish he would!)
The Cowboys have evolved into a family-operated business, with Jones’ children holding key positions: his eldest son, Stephen, serves as executive VP, CEO, and director of player personnel; his daughter, Charlotte, is the chief brand officer; and his other son, Jerry Jones Jr., is the chief sales and marketing officer.
The NFL continues to dominate sports franchise valuations, with 14 of the top 25 most valuable teams belonging to the league.
This success is largely due to lucrative broadcasting deals with top networks such as FOX, ESPN, CBS, and NBC.
In 2021, these deals generated $198 million per NFL team. The current list of the highest-valued teams includes the Cowboys, Rams, Giants, Patriots, 49ers, Jets, Dolphins, Eagles, Raiders, and Commanders.
Notably, the Rams and Giants have recently overtaken the Patriots, who are experiencing a post-Brady/Belichick era slump.
The list of the top 10 most-valuable franchises goes as follows…
#1. Dallas Cowboys: $10.32 Billion
#2. Los Angeles Rams: $7.79 Billion
#3. New York Giants:$7.65 Billion
#4. New England Patriots: $7.31 Billion
#5. San Francisco 49ers: $6.86 Billion
#6. New York Jets: $6.8 Billion
#7. Miami Dolphins: $6.76 Billion
#8. Philadelphia Eagles: $6.75 Billion
#9. Las Vegas Raiders: $6.7 Billion
#10. Washington Commanders: $6.3 Billion
In case you were wondering, the three most valuable NBA franchises are the Golden State Warriors ($8.28 Billion), New York Knicks ($7.43 Billion) and Los Angeles Lakers ($7.34 Billion).
Meanwhile, when it comes to Major League Baseball, the top three are the New York Yankees ($7.93 Billion), Los Angeles Dodgers ($6.3 Billion) and Boston Red Sox ($5.69 Billion).
The three most valuable soccer clubs are Manchester United ($6.2 Billion), Real Madrid ($6.06 Billion) and Barcelona ($5.28 Billion).
What are your thoughts on the Cowboys passing the $10 billion mark?
Do you take Jerry Jones at his word that he will never sell the team???