Proving that professional sports is a business first and an avenue for victory second, Forbes’ 2013 ranking of the 50 most valuable sports teams has the Dallas Cowboys at No. 5 in the world. With an estimated worth of $2.1 billion, the Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable NFL franchise.
The 'boys are behind a trio of European soccer royalty and the New York Yankees for most valuable franchise overall. Of course, the Cowboys' value is just a fraction of No. 1 Real Madrid’s $3.3 billion.
However, Madrid's operating income of $134 million is still second to the Cowboys. Jerry’s team rakes in $200 million per year with the league’s highest sponsorship and high seating revenues, which, if you’ve ever tried to go to a Cowboys game, you are well aware of.
The NFL dominates the list, taking 30 of 50 spots. Baseball teams lay claim to seven spots on the list, along with three NBA teams, two Formula 1 racing teams, and hockey's lone representative: the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In all, it’s a good time to be an owner, as Forbes estimates the average top 50 team is worth $1.24 billion. That's a 16 percent increase from last year.
The Cowboys have dominated the rest of the NFL in value since 2007 despite a lack of success on the playing field. The team kicks off training camp for the 2013 season in Oxnard, California on Sunday, July 21.
The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable team in the NFL.
