Kenya Sport

Top 20 Most Profitable Sports Teams in 2026

The latest rankings reveal that the NFL and NBA teams dominate profitability, surpassing even the Premier League clubs known worldwide. These franchises earn massive revenues through TV deals, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise, often boosted by their on-field successes.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11 by Operating Income and Value

  • 20. Houston Texans: Operating Income: $156 million | Value: $7.4 billion
  • 19. Chicago Bulls: Operating Income: $160 million | Value: $6 billion
  • 18. Los Angeles Lakers: Operating Income: $170 million | Value: $10 billion
  • 17. Arsenal: Operating Income: $173 million | Value: $3.4 billion
  • 16. Las Vegas Raiders: Operating Income: $179 million | Value: $7.7 billion
  • 15. New York Jets: Operating Income: $180 million | Value: $8.1 billion
  • 14. New York Giants: Operating Income: $181 million | Value: $10.1 billion
  • 13. New York Rangers: Operating Income: $182 million | Value: $4 billion
  • 12. Tottenham Hotspur: Operating Income: $184 million | Value: $3.3 billion
  • 11. Manchester United: Operating Income: $185 million | Value: $6.6 billion

Tied for 9th Place

  • Houston Rockets: Operating Income: $191 million | Value: $5.9 billion The Rockets ended the 2024/25 season second in the West with a 52-30 record, largely thanks to their defense. They pushed the Golden State Warriors to a game seven in the first playoff round but fell short. After acquiring Kevin Durant, alongside rising stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, their offensive strength soared in 2025/26, finishing again 52-30 and ranking 5th in the Western Conference before losing to the Lakers.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: Operating Income: $191 million | Value: $4.4 billion Despite missing the playoffs in 2025/26 with a 32–36–14 record, the Leafs remain a lucrative franchise due to their historical success, having won 13 Stanley Cups, maintaining a strong presence in ice hockey.

Tied for 7th Place

  • Philadelphia 76ers: Operating Income: $203 million | Value: $5.45 billion With a 45-37 record, the 76ers made the playoffs but were swept 4-0 by the eventual champions, New York Knicks. Tyrese Maxey led scoring with 28.3 points per game, while Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond contributed significantly.
  • Atlanta Hawks: Operating Income: $203 million | Value: $5 billion The Hawks finished 6th in the East and also lost to the Knicks in the first playoff round. Coached by Quin Snyder, they are seen as a team with promising potential despite the setback.

6th Place

  • New England Patriots: Operating Income: $222 million | Value: $9 billion After several tough seasons, the Patriots bounced back with a division title, fueled by quarterback Drake Maye’s MVP-like performance. The franchise enjoys a global fanbase, especially in the UK, and has started the 2026 season with a balanced record.

5th Place

  • Mercedes F1: Operating Income: $227 million | Value: $6 billion Mercedes secured second place in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, winning two races with George Russell who placed fourth individually. The brand's global appeal and strong sponsorship deals have kept their income high, with drivers Kimi Antonelli and Russell leading after 20 races in the current season.

Tied for 3rd Place

  • Los Angeles Rams: Operating Income: $244 million | Value: $10.5 billion The Rams posted a 12-5 record, finishing second in NFC West and reaching the NFC Championship game, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks. Their offense was top of the league, averaging over 30 points per game.
  • Edmonton Oilers: Operating Income: $244 million | Value: $10.5 billion The Oilers made their seventh straight playoff appearance but exited early after a loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl drive one of the league’s most potent offenses, though coaching changes followed their disappointing finish.

2nd Place

  • Golden State Warriors: Operating Income: $409 million | Value: $11 billion The Warriors endured a tough 25/26 season, hampered by Jimmy Butler's ACL injury. They failed to improve on their previous year’s record and finished 10th in the West, exiting the playoffs after a play-in tournament defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

1st Place

  • Dallas Cowboys: Operating Income: $629 million | Value: $13 billion Despite missing the playoffs for the second year running with a 7-9-1 record, the Cowboys remain the highest-earning sports team worldwide. Led offensively by quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive struggles have prompted coaching changes as they aim to improve.

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