Opening Day is around the corner and MLB team valuations were released heading into the 2023 season. Despite many financial questions surrounding the league as a result of the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, which owned the local media rights to 14 of MLB’s 30 teams, the average MLB team value has risen 12 percent this season to $2.32 billion.
The MLB team valuations are at an all-time high even as revenue (net of stadium debt service) increased 7.8 percent year-over-year to 10.3 billion. Ticket sales increased by 64 percent to a total of $2.4 billion, which is a bounce back from ballpark restrictions in the 2021 season. In addition, there was a 35 percent increase in premium seating revenue.
After a few difficult seasons, MLB franchises found a way to increase in value in 2022. Once again, the New York Yankees sit at the top of the list, valued at $7.1 billion. The Los Angeles Dodgers ($4.9 billion) and Boston Red Sox ($4.5 billion) round out the top-3 most valuable MLB teams.
Check out the top-five most valued MLB franchises below.
- New York Yankees — $7.1 Billion
- Los Angeles Dodgers — $4.9 Billion
- Boston Red Sox — $4.5 Billion
- Chicago Cubs — $4.1 Billion
- San Francisco Giants — $3.7 Billion
New York Yankees — $7.1 Billion
Since Forbes began looking into MLB team valuations, the New York Yankees have always been the highest-valued club.
Heading into the 2023 season, the Yankees’ value has gone up 18 percent in just the last year for a total of $7.1 billion.
The Yankees are one of the most valued franchises in sports. They sit second only to the Dallas Cowboys for the most valuable franchise in all of the sports, according to Sportico.
Los Angeles Dodgers — $4.9 Billion
The second most-valuable team in the MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers, have also increased their value by 18 percent compared to last year. The Dodgers have one of the most talented teams in the Majors and have generated a total of $565 million in revenue in 2022, more than any other MLB team. The Dodgers have a low operating cost as well, punching in at well under $20 million.
With stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman anchoring the lineup, the Dodgers figure to remain among the top contenders in the National League for years to come.
The franchise is valued at $4.9 billion heading into the 2023 MLB season.
Boston Red Sox — $4.5 Billion
Another huge basketball market, the Boston Red Sox franchise saw its valuation increase by 15 percent compared to last year.
The Red Sox are currently worth $4.5 billion and rank in the top three in the MLB in annual revenue. Boston has a $70 million operating cost but brought in a total revenue of $479 million in 2022.
The team’s value also increased as a result of signing a few new broadcasting contracts and image right deals.
Chicago Cubs — $4.1 Billion
The Chicago Cubs had a pretty successful 2022 MLB season. In one year, the Cubs value has gone up 8 percent for a total valuation of $4.1 billion. The Cubs have an operating income of $57.2 million.
Chicago has missed the postseason in back-to-back years and are projected for just 76.5 wins in 2023, so it could be another long season for Cubs’ fans.
San Francisco Giants — $3.7 Billion
In just a year, the San Francisco Giants have increased the value of the franchise by 6 percent to a total of $3.7 billion. The Giants are currently running with a $74.9 million operating income.
San Francisco will be looking to get back to the postseason after missing out on October baseball in 2022. The Giants are projected for 85.5 wins, putting them on the cusp of a potential Wild Card berth in the National League.
