Forbes announced its list of the world’s most valuable sports teams for 2013.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have missed out on a top 10 spot as the treble winners lie in 12th position. The other popular sports teams that missed out on a top 10 spot are Ferrari (21), New York Knicks (23), Los Angeles Lakers (31), AC Milan (37), Chelsea (40), Chicago Bulls and McLaren (both tied at 47).
Here is a look at the top 10 who made this year’s list:
10. Arsenal
Value: $1.326 billion Owner: Stan Kroenke
Arsenal are valued at $1.326 billion as they claim the 10th spot in the list of most valuable sports teams. In the 2011-12 season, the Gunners collected matchday revenue of $149 million, thanks to a sold out 60,400-seat Emirates stadium. Arsenal strictly follow a model that relies mainly on matchday revenue and player sales. Arsenal have the third highest matchday revenue in Europe, just behind Manchester United and Real Madrid.
9. New York Giants
Value: $1.468 billionOwners: John Mara (50%) and Steven Tisch (50%)
The New York giants lie in the 9th spot of world’s top 10 most valuable teams. A second Super Bowl title win in five years saw the demand for tickets rise at the MetLife stadium and despite that, the team did not increase the prices of the tickets in 2012. MetLife have been paying more than $425 million over the last 25 years for the naming rights to the team’s stadium.
8. Washington Redskins
Value: $1.6 billionOwner: Daniel Snyder
The Skins selected Robert Griffin III with the second pick of the 2012 NFL Draft and he delivered by leading them to their first division title since 1999. Griffin won the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and his jersey set a record for most number of sales on NFLShop.com in a single season.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers
Value: $1.615 billionOwner: Guggenheim Baseball
The Dodgers, who have won six World Series titles and 21 National League pennants, are close to signing a deal with Time Warner Cable. The 25-year deal is said to be worth $8.5 billion and it would kick off from the next season. The Dodgers signed a number of free agents in recent times and some contract extensions were also given, which took their opening day payroll in this year over $200 million.
6. New England Patriots
Value: $1.635 billionOwner: Robert Kraft
In the past decade, the Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in NFL history. They have the third-highest appearances in a Super Bowl. Since the opening of Gillette stadium in 2002, the Patriots have sold out every single game. More than 60,000 people have their names on the waiting list for season tickets.
5. Dallas Cowboys
Value: $2.1 billionOwner: Jerry Jones
Dallas Cowboys has been the most valuable NFL franchise in the history of the United States. It has been named the most valuable NFL team for a sixth straight year thanks to the highest sponsorship and seating revenues. The America’s team generates an annual revenue of around $269 million and they signed Tony Romo to a six-year contract ($108 million) in March.4. New York Yankees
Value: $2.3 billionOwner: Steinbrenner Family
Having won 18 division titles, 40 AL pennants and 27 World Series championships, the Yankees have been one of the most successful franchises in professional sports history. After Fox purchased 49% of the regional sport network, the Yanks sold part of their interest in the YES Network and as a part of the deal, their rights fee will increase from $85 million to $350 million in 2042.
3. Barcelona
Value: $2.6 billionOwner: Club members
Barcelona were crowned the Spanish football champions for the 22nd time in earlier this year. The La Liga giants had a brilliant season as they held the top spot of the league table for the first 26 weeks. Last month Barcelona signed Neymar from Brazilian club Santos in a deal which is believed to be worth $74 million. The club’s is signed to a jersey sponsorship deal with Qatar Sports Investments, which is worth an average of $38 million a year.
2. Manchester United
Value: $3.165 billionOwner: Glazer family
Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement after guiding his team to a record 20th league title. The Scot managed the club for a little over 26 years, leading one of the most valuable brands in entire sports history. The Old Trafford club are tied with General Motors for a shirt sponsorship deal and it kicks off in 2014-15. The deal with GM is for the automaker’s Chevrolet brand and it is believed to be worth $559 million over seven years.
1. Real Madrid
Value: $3.3 billionOwner: Club members
Real Madrid are undoubtedly one of the dominating forces of European football, piling up a massive 32 La Liga titles and nine UEFA Champions League trophies. Los Blancos finished second in this season of La Liga but they clinch the title of being the most valuable sports team in the world thanks to a revenue of $650 million during the 2011-12 season. In the past year, the club has signed new deals with Adidas and Emirates Airlines that will earn them a revenue of around $80 million annually.
To have a look at the world’s highest paid athletes for 2013, click here: World’s top-10 highest-paid athletes for 2013