The NFL continues its unprecedented rise in franchise valuations, with new data from Sportico revealing record-breaking numbers in 2025. For the sixth straight year, the Dallas Cowboys reign supreme — now worth a staggering $12.8 billion — as the league sees three teams surpass the $10 billion mark for the first time.
Average NFL Team Value Soars to $7.13 Billion
The average NFL franchise is now valued at $7.13 billion, a 20% jump from 2024, pushing the total worth of all 32 teams to an incredible $228 billion.
- Top three franchises:
- Dallas Cowboys – $12.8B
- Los Angeles Rams – $10.43B
- New York Giants – $10.25B
- Lowest valued franchise: Cincinnati Bengals – $5.5B
Compared to other major U.S. sports leagues, NFL teams sit far ahead — with the average NBA team valued at $4.6B, MLB at $2.82B, and NHL at $1.79B.
Private Equity Boosts NFL Valuations
In 2024, the NFL opened the door to private equity (PE) investors, introducing a new era of minority stake sales. This move has allowed long-term family owners to unlock liquidity without selling control.
Notable recent transactions include:
- Philadelphia Eagles – 8% sold at $8.3B valuation
- Buffalo Bills – 10.6% at $5.8B
- San Francisco 49ers – 6.2% at $8.6B
- Las Vegas Raiders – 15% at $6.5B
- Miami Dolphins – 3% at $8.1B (includes Formula 1 Miami GP stake)
PE firms like Arctos Partners and Ares Management have been active, often buying at lower valuations than individual investors.
Record-Breaking Revenues and Profits
The NFL generated $23 billion in total revenue in 2024, with $22.2 billion coming directly from team operations — an 8% year-over-year increase.
- Average team revenue: $692M
- Average profit (EBITDA): $151M
- Dallas Cowboys profit: $490M (highest in the league)
- Top ticket sales:
- 49ers – $176M
- Cowboys – $136M
- Eagles – $130M
The Cowboys’ $820M in local revenue is more than double any other franchise, driven by merchandise sales, their The Star mixed-use facility, and the Legends hospitality brand.
Expanding Beyond Football
NFL teams are rapidly transforming into multi-platform, global entertainment brands.
- Chiefs launched Foolish Club Studios for original media content.
- Rams’ SoFi Stadium anchors a massive 300-acre development in Los Angeles.
- Dolphins generate $50M annually from hosting the Miami F1 race.
What’s Next for NFL Growth
Several factors are set to push NFL valuations even higher:
- Possible 18-game regular season replacing a preseason game.
- Aggressive international expansion and direct-to-consumer streaming.
- Revenue growth from sports betting.
- 2029 media deal opt-out, which could reset TV rights at record levels.
- New stadium projects for the Commanders, Bills, Titans, Browns, and Bears — all with major public funding.
Key Takeaway
With its combination of scarcity, global reach, and consistent profitability, the NFL is cementing its place as the most valuable sports league in the world. The Dallas Cowboys remain in a class of their own, but the entire league is riding a wave of investment, innovation, and revenue growth that shows no signs of slowing.
