Global sports wealth: Ferrari and Real Madrid break the American monopoly in the top 30

The specialized magazine Forbes has released its definitive list of the world’s most valuable sports franchises. While the top 30 is heavily dominated by American giants from the NBA and NFL, a few iconic European names have managed to secure their place among the elite. Most notably, the “Prancing Horse” stands tall as the only Italian brand on the list, representing the pinnacle of motorsport and Italian engineering.

Formula 1’s global surge in popularity, particularly in the United States, has seen team valuations skyrocket. Ferrari, with its rich heritage and massive commercial appeal, is the standard-bearer for this growth. The list also features football royalty, with Real Madrid representing La Liga and Manchester United representing the Premier League, proving that global football still carries immense financial weight despite the massive domestic broadcasting deals enjoyed by American leagues.

The Forbes top 30 most valuable sports brands

Below are the valuations of the world’s sporting elite, converted into euros:

30) Tennessee Titans (NFL) – €5.37 billion
29) Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – €5.41 billion
28) Cleveland Browns (NFL) – €5.45 billion
26) Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) – €5.54 billion
26) Ferrari (Formula 1) – €5.54 billion
24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) – €5.63 billion
24) Manchester United (Premier League) – €5.63 billion
23) Green Bay Packers (NFL) – €5.67 billion
21) Boston Celtics (NBA) – €5.7 billion
21) Seattle Seahawks (NFL) – €5.7 billion
20) Real Madrid (La Liga) – €5.75 billion
18) Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) – €5.8 billion
18) Denver Broncos (NFL) – €5.8 billion
17) Houston Texans (NFL) – €6.3 billion
15) Miami Dolphins (NFL) – €6.4 billion
15) Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) – €6.4 billion
14) Washington Commanders (NFL) – €6.48 billion
13) Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) – €6.58 billion
12) New York Jets (NFL) – €6.9 billion
10) New York Yankees (MLB) – €6.99 billion
10) Chicago Bears (NFL) – €6.99 billion
9) Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) – €7.07 billion
8) San Francisco 49ers (NFL) – €7.33 billion
7) New New England Patriots (NFL) – €7.67 billion
6) New York Knicks (NBA) – €8.31 billion
5) Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) – €8.52 billion
4) New York Giants (NFL) – €8.6 billion
3) Los Angeles Rams (NFL) – €8.94 billion
2) Golden State Warriors (NBA) – €9.37 billion
1) Dallas Cowboys (NFL) – €11 billion

Ferrari: The billion-dollar legend of Maranello

Ferrari’s presence at number 26, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers at €5.54 billion, is a testament to the brand’s unique position in the global psyche. Unlike many American franchises that rely heavily on localized TV markets, Ferrari’s value is driven by a global “lifestyle” brand that transcends racing. As we look toward the 2026 Formula 1 season, Ferrari’s valuation is expected to climb even higher. The arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Maranello has already triggered a massive boost in commercial interest, attracting luxury sponsors and a new demographic of fans that previously focused on Mercedes or the Briton’s personal brand.

Furthermore, Ferrari remains the only team in Formula 1 that receives a historical bonus from the sport’s commercial rights holder—a “heritage payment” that recognizes the Scuderia as indispensable to the F1 circus. This guaranteed revenue stream, combined with the cost cap era which has turned F1 teams from money-pits into profit-generating machines, makes Ferrari one of the most stable and attractive investments in all of sports. For the Tifosi, this financial might is the foundation upon which the team hopes to build its next championship-winning era.