Forbes have released their annual rankings of the most valuable sports teams in the world. Once again, Bayern Munich, who won its fifth straight Bundesliga title last season, was near the top of the list.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/G. Schiffmann
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Most valuable sports teams in 2017
Forbes has released their annual ranking of the most valuable sports teams in the world. DW takes a look at the top names on the list and why they are so successful.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/G. Schiffmann
1. Dallas Cowboys - $4.2 billion
It has been more than 20 years since they have won a Superbowl, but the Dallas Cowboys remain the most popular sports team in the United States. Their stadium, which opened in 2009 is one of the most expensive sports venues ever built, costing $1.3 billion (959 million euros at the time).
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/R. Steinman
2. New York Yankees - $3.7 billion
Several teams around the world may splash the cash now, but the New York Yankees were the first big money spenders in sports. They have taken a step back since their last World Series title in 2009, but they have nonetheless remained on of the biggest brands in sports.
Image: picture alliance/Globe-ZUMA/J. Barrett
3. Manchester United - $3.69 billion
Their recent performances may be lacking, but their business valuation sure is not. Many English clubs profit from the English Premier League's massive television deal, but Forbes says Manchester United sets itself a part with sponsorships.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Meissner
4. Barcelona - $3.64 billion
Their stars may be getting old, but Barcelona remains one of the powerhouses in European football. They have been in the top 10 of this list each of the last four years.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/D. Ochoa De Olza
5. Real Madrid - $3.58 billion
Real Madrid topped this list from 2013-2015, but this year they have fallen outside the top three. The club's success remains as strong as ever as they became the first back-to-back Champions League winners in history.
Image: Reuters/P. Kopczynski Livepic
6. New England Patriots - $3.4 billion
Led by legendary coach Bill Belichick and all-time great quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots have been consistently one of the best NFL teams of the last decade. Their Super Bowl victory this year was their fifth in team history, all of them coming with Belichick and Brady on board.
Image: Getty Images/C. Cox
7. New York Knicks - $3.3 billion
In a city that never sleeps, the New York Knicks remain one of the hottest tickets in town. Unfortunately, their mediocre performances have not exactly given their fans what they want.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/T. Gutierrez
8. New York Giants - $3.1 billion
The Giants have also thrived in a very competitve market in New York. They are one of the most successful NFL teams ever, winning four NFL championships from 1927-1956 and four Super Bowl titles - three since the turn of the century.
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/M. Tenally
9. (tied) San Francisco 49ers - $3 billion
Their success also came decades ago, but they remain one of the most sucessful teams in the world and the pride of America's west coast. Forbes have placed them in the top 10 for the second year in a row, and they are once again tied with the Los Angeles Lakers, their fellow Californians.
Image: picture alliance/ZUMAPRESS/Al Golub
9. (tied) Los Angeles Lakers - $3 billion
Another Laker legend Kobe Bryant has decided to call it quits, but the Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the most popular sports teams in the world. They have won 16 titles in their history - which is tied with the Boston Celtics for most all-time - and have the glitz and glamor that plays in Hollywood.
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/J. Locher
15. Bayern Munich - $2.71 billion
Their valuation only grew one percent compared to last year's list, but they still remain in the top 15 most valuable sports teams. They are the only German team after to make the list, which Forbes began in 2010.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/G. Schiffmann
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American business magazine Forbes valued Bayern Munich at $2.71 billion (2.37 billion euros), which ranked 15th in their annual ranking of the world's most valuable sports teams.
Bayern were the fourth-highest European football team on the list, with Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid ranked in the top five. The Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) was given the highest value at $4.2 billion.
The valuation for Bayern was one percent higher than their value last year. The magazine said the German club has an operating income of $120 million in 2017. In the past, it has attributed the club's success to their sponsorship deal with Adidas and rises in club membership.
Bayern were ranked seventh on this list in 2014, the highest ranking Forbes has ever given them. However, the Bundesliga giants have dropped in each since making the top 10 - 11th in 2015 and 12th in 2016 before this year's ranking.
Forbes began listing the most valuable sports teams in 2010. Bayern have been the only German team ever to make the list.
