Franchise Value List Proves Championships Aren't Necessary To Make Money

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Sportico released their annual list of the most valuable sports franchises in the entire world. Most of the usual suspects fill the list, but with some surprises as well. What struck me is that the Dallas Cowboys and New York Knicks are both in the top two most valuable franchises IN THE WORLD – despite having 0 combined championships since the turn of the century. 

Here's the entire list: 

And a detailed breakdown of the top five: 

The Dallas Cowboys franchise is the most valuable in the entire world, worth nearly $10 billion. That's despite last capturing a Super Bowl trophy in 1996. 

I was shocked to see the Golden State Warriors as high as they are, but for them, winning championships clearly DID lead to financial success. Certainly not the New York Knicks, though. 

They last won the NBA championship in 1973. People often criticize owner James Dolan – for good reason – but what incentive does he have to actually build a winner? Clearly, not money. 

The New York Knicks are worth A LOT of money despite not winning an NBA championship since the 1970s.

The New York Knicks are worth A LOT of money despite not winning an NBA championship since the 1970s.

(Getty Images)

Then comes a few more perennial All-Stars, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Yankees. The Lakers won a fake COVID title in 2020, but haven't won a real championship since 2010. The Yankees last World Series victory came in 2009. 

What really caught my eye is just how valuable NFL franchises are and that they dominate the world's sports stage. The first soccer team doesn't appear until #13 (Manchester United). I've never been more proud to be an American. 

The NBA is top-heavy – they have three of the four most-valuable franchises on the list. However, all 32 NFL teams appear in the top 53. There's not a single NFL franchise worth less than $4 billion. 

Turns out, there's value in owning a team in the most popular sports league in the United States. 

Crazy, right? 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.