The Falcons are worth $2.475 billion, according to Forbes' annual valuations of NFL teams released Monday.
That represents a 16 percent increase from $2.13 billion a year ago -- and a 354 percent increase from the $545 million that Arthur Blank paid for the franchise in 2002.
The new study ranked the Falcons 15th among the 32 NFL teams in value.
The Dallas Cowboys ranked No. 1 with a valuation of $4.8 billion, followed by the New England Patriots at $3.7 billion and the New York Giants at $3.3 billion.
The league’s 30 teams have an average value of $2.5 billion, according to the report, which said NFL owners “are minting money thanks to hefty TV contracts and a favorable labor deal with the players.”
New and renovated stadiums “are adding to team coffers,” Forbes noted, citing the Falcons’ “commitments for over $900 million in (long-term) sponsorships at their new stadium, including naming rights.”
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