NFL VALUES
The five most valuable NFL franchises, according to Forbes’ 2015 estimates:
1. Dallas Cowboys $4 billion
2. New England Patriots $3.2 billion
3. Washington Redskins $2.85 billion
4. New York Giants $2.8 billion
5. San Francisco 49ers $2.7 billion
Note: The Falcons ranked 17th at $1.67 billion. The Buffalo Bills were last among the 32 teams at $1.4 billion.
The Atlanta Falcons are now worth $1.67 billion, more than triple what Arthur Blank paid for the team in 2002, according to Forbes magazine’s annual estimate of NFL franchise values.
The Falcons’ valuation increased 48 percent in the past year, while the 32 NFL franchises on average increased 38 percent in value, Forbes said in the report released today.
The study estimated the Falcons’ 2014 revenue at $303 million and their operating income at $25.4 million. The Falcons’ operating income — earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — was said by Forbes to be the lowest in the NFL last year, while their revenue was ranked seventh lowest.
Blank purchased the Falcons 13 years ago for $545 million.
The 18th annual Forbes study ranked the Dallas Cowboys as the most valuable NFL franchise at $4 billion, with estimated 2014 revenue of $620 million and operating income of $270 million. The average franchise was valued at $1.97 billion.
The Falcons’ valuation ranked 17th among the NFL teams.
While NFL franchise values in general have soared on the strength of increasing national TV revenue and other factors, the Falcons’ valuation also reflects an expected revenue boost in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is under construction next to the Georgia Dome and slated to open in 2017.
A year ago, Forbes valued the Falcons at $1.125 billion.
About the Author
