The Cowboys have put together a dynasty when it comes to topping all NFL teams in Forbes’ annual rankings of most valuable sports franchises. The Cowboys took another step in this year’s list, ranking first among any team in all sports. It’s the first time since Forbes started ranking franchises in 2011 that a non-soccer team has taken the top spot.
Real Madrid, the famous futbol team in Spain, had its value rise 12 percent in the past year to $3.65 billion and still couldn’t hold onto the No. 1 spot. That’s because the Cowboys jumped 25 percent from last year, according to Forbes, and are now valued at $4 billion.
The Cowboys went 4-12 last year, but based on that figure it’s hard to say they had a bad year.
Jones has built an incredible business. He has perhaps the nicest stadium in American sports, Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and built an already strong brand into a powerhouse during his nearly three decades as Cowboys owner. Dallas hasn’t won a Super Bowl since the 1995 NFL season, but that hasn’t mattered to the franchise’s bottom line.
The Cowboys were the only NFL team in Forbes’ top five, though the New England Patriots barely missed. The Patriots ranked No. 6 at $3.2 billion. The Washington Redskins, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers also made the top 10. Here’s Forbes’ top 10, with the dollar figure representing how many billions each team is worth:
1. Dallas Cowboys – $4.0
2. Real Madrid – $3.65
3. Barcelona – $3.55
4. New York Yankees – 3.4
5. Manchester United – 3.32
6. New England Patriots – 3.2
7. New York Knicks – 3.0
8. Washington Redskins – $2.85
9. New York Giants – $2.8
10. Los Angeles Lakers – $2.7
10. San Francisco 49ers – $2.7