Top NFL Teams to Watch in 2025: Who’s Winning the Value Game?

The Dallas Cowboys are on top of the sports world. Last August, this iconic team was valued at a whopping $10 billion, the first pro sports team to reach that mark. Today, they stand at $13 billion, a 29% increase from last year. This rise isn’t just luck; it’s due to a mix of fan loyalty, smart business moves, and thriving league revenues.

In the past year, NFL teams collectively saw their values soar, with all 32 teams now worth at least $5 billion. For the first time, the average team value is $7.1 billion—up 25% over last year. Revenue for the NFL reached an estimated $21.2 billion during the last season, a 74% increase from just four years ago.

But the Cowboys’ financial edge is striking. Their expected revenue for 2024 sits at $1.2 billion, leading by at least $400 million compared to other teams. They generated almost $800 million from local sources alone. With an operating income of $629 million, the Cowboys made more profit than 16 other teams earned in total revenue.

Other teams are also cashing in. Both the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles sold stakes in their franchises at impressive valuations—$8.1 billion and $8.3 billion respectively. This year has seen a flurry of transactions as investors seek a piece of the NFL pie. Importantly, last year, a group led by billionaire Josh Harris bought the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion, marking the last major control sale in the league.

The NFL’s financial success is in part due to its lucrative media deals. In 2022, the league secured $125.5 billion in media revenue over a decade, with more potential for future agreements. The NFL is also expanding its marketing revenue, climbing toward $2.5 billion in team sponsorships last season. There’s also a lot of room for growth internationally, as the league has only recently begun to invest in global markets.

Interestingly, NFL ownership has become a beacon for investors. The average operating income across teams hit $127 million, with no team falling below $21 million. In contrast, many MLB teams struggled financially, with 11 teams reported to be in the red last season. Such consistent profitability makes NFL franchises a safe investment.

As we look ahead, the landscape of NFL ownership is poised for more shifts. With teams like the New York Giants looking for new minority investors and the potential for even higher valuations, it’s an exciting time for American football.

Stay tuned to [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/) for further insights into this evolving sports economy.

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