Baseball is likely going to have to endure some tough financial losses due to the shortened season. But even if their revenue isn’t nearly half as big as it usually is, these seven clubs will still be the most valuable MLB teams for a very long time.
Some franchises are clearly far ahead of the pack in terms of financial stability. Moreover, the biggest markets on earth almost always have the richest MLBteams as well. That’s not a coincidence.
And, even though Major League Baseball is having a tough time competing – economically and in ratings – with the NFL and the NBA, the clubs we’re about to mention are still incredibly profitable. Check out the most valuable MLB teams in the world, according to Forbes’ most recent ranking.
7. St. Louis Cardinals
Value: $2.2Billion
The St. Louis Cardinals only trail the New York Yankees as the team with the most World Series titles. And, even though they aren’t located in the biggest market in the nation, they’re still a huge brand of their own.
The Cardinals make the cut as the 7th richest baseball team in the world despite not making it to the World Series since 2013. Led by Yadier Molina, they’ll try and put an end to that drought this season.
6. New York Mets
Value: $2.4Billion
Needless to say, the New York Mets have always lived in the shadow of the New York Yankees. Even so, they have one of the biggest fanbases in the world and The Big Apple is big enough for them to coexist.
The Mets have had some offensive struggles lately but they still have one of the most exciting and dominating pitching rotations in the world. That’s why Jennifer López and Álex Rodríguez want to buy them at all costs.
5. San Francisco Giants
Value: $3.1Billion
The San Francisco Giants have been one of the most successful baseball teams of the past 10 years or so, winning 3 World Series in six years. Also, they’re located in one of the biggest markets in the world.
Silicon Valley’s team is the 5th most valuable MLB team this year and its value went up 3% despite the retirement of legendary manager Bruce Bochy and former World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner.
4.Chicago Cubs
Value: $3.2Billion
Led by Joe Maddon, the Chicago Cubs were finally able to put an end to the Billy the goat curse and win the World Series in 2016. The team’s value has gone way up ever since as they’re a perennial contender.
The Cubs have made the most of their market value lately and are currently tied with the Chicago Bulls and New York Jets as the 17th most valuable sports franchise in the world. Even if Joe Maddon is no longer in town.
3. Boston Red Sox
Value: $3.3Billion
The Boston Red Sox continue to climb the ladder on this list. They also experimented a 3% growth this year despite their disappointing season as defending champions. That trend is likely to go on for another year or so.
Moreover, Fenway Group decided to take the team’s payroll down after spending a lot of money to bring that 2018 World Series home. That meant losing former AL MVP Mookie Betts. Yikes.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Value: $3.4Billion
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to grow both financially and sports-wise. They recently acquired Mookie Betts to finally put an end to their World Series drought after two losses in three years.
The Dodgers are the team to beat out of the National League and, on an unsurprising note, the second most valuable MLB team in the world. We wouldn’t expect any less from Los Angeles’ finest.
1. New York Yankees
Value: $5.0 Billion
You know what they say: the rich get richer. At least, that seems to be the case with the New York Yankees, the most valuable MLB team and the second richest sports franchise in the world, trailing only the Dallas Cowboys.
The Yankees have always been a synonym to wealth and success and this year wasn’t the exception to that rule. Their value went up 9% and they spared no expenses to sign Gerrit Cole to help them put an end to their decade-long title drought.