Data: Forbes; Chart: Harry Stevens/Axios
The numbers are in from Forbes' analysis of the world's most valuable sports teams — your annual reminder of just how lucrative the sports industry has become.
The big picture: Seven years ago, Manchester United was the world's only pro sports franchise worth more than $2 billion. Today, every franchise in the top 50 is now worth at least $2 billion.
Other takeaways:
- NFL is king: The Cowboys ($5 billion) top the list and are one of a whopping 26 NFL franchises in the top 50. No other sport has more than nine.
- NBA rising: In 2012, the Lakers and Knicks were the only NBA teams in the top 50. Today, there are nine: Knicks (5), Lakers (8), Warriors (9), Bulls (19), Celtics (22), Nets (37), Rockets (38), Mavericks (43), Clippers (44).
- MLB's big three: The Yankees (up three spots to No. 2), Dodgers (up four spots to No. 10) and Red Sox (up seven spots to No. 12) all climbed the charts.
- NHL is missing: There are no NHL teams in the top 50. The Rangers ($1.55 billion) were the closest to making the cut, coming in at No. 72.
- Soccer has giants. Soccer is the only sport with three teams in the top six: Real Madrid (3), Barcelona (4) and Manchester United (6).
Go deeper: Esports market expected to surpass $1 billion globally in 2019
