Top 10 most valuable MLB franchises

Hard hitting bottom lines

Even though baseball is considered America’s pastime, it has been viewed as something of a dying breed. However, the eye-popping value of MLB franchises counter the notion that the sport is in a tailspin. We’ll take a look at the top 10 most valuable MLB teams. Valuations are sourced from Forbes' 2024 report.

10. St. Louis Cardinals: $2.5 Billion

Bleacher Report wrote in 2013 that the Cardinals have the best fans in all of baseball. They show up to support the team even when they aren’t very good (although that doesn’t happen often). This allegiance leaves Cardinals ownership in a great place year after year with ticket and merchandise sales.

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9. Los Angeles Angels: $2.7 Billion

The Angles catch a lot of flack for being in the Dodgers’ shadow, and not winning despite the elite talent they have. With that said, owner Arturo Moreno has not been shy about opening up his wallet to sign some of the game’s premier free agents. Their location has a lot to do with their net worth, as well. SportsPro Media reported the Angels are no longer for sale.

8. Atlanta Braves: $2.8 Billion

The Braves have a strong case as the most well-run organization in MLB. Since the 1990s, Atlanta has been a fixture in the postseason. They’re one of the best at identifying and retaining talent, both in the lineup and in the dugout. MLB's website delves deeper into their remarkable feats.

7. Philadelphia Phillies: $2.93 Billion

The Phillies have been a successful postseason team in recent years, which has boosted their profile nationally this decade. Philadelphia doesn’t always have the best regular season performances, but seems to put it together when it matters most. Sports Illustrated wrote in 2023 that Citizens Bank Park's playoff atmosphere might be the best ever.

6. New York Mets: $3 Billion

We’ve come to another team that has historically played second fiddle in their own city. Mets owner Steve Cohen, a lifelong fan of the team, is hoping to change that. The 2023 season was a step back for the club, but they’re hopeful that the promising prospects they acquired in mid-year trades help bring the team back into contention in the near future.

5. San Francisco Giants: $3.8 Billion

While it’s not surprising that a team based in the Bay Area is one of the most valuable in the sport, the Giants aren’t often thought of as a team that purchases their way to success. Sports Illustrated reported in 2023 that the franchise was amongst the top MLB clubs in profits.

Bay area boon

San Francisco tends to be involved in a lot of conversations regarding premium free agents, but has also been successful bringing in low-priced, reliable veteran players.

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4. Chicago Cubs: $4.23 Billion

The Cubs are an iconic franchise that draws attention whether they’re competitive or not. Wrigley Field is an institution when it comes to American stadiums, and even non-baseball fans want to watch a game at the Friendly Confines.

A long-lasting lineage

Chicago became one of the most popular teams in baseball by playing mostly day games, which flies in the face of conventional wisdom. According to a 2023 poll by FanSided, Cubs fans prefer games in the sun to tilts under the lights at night.

3. Boston Red Sox: $4.5 Billion

It’s hard to talk about Wrigley Field without immediately mentioning Fenway Park in Boston in the next breath. The Red Sox have always done well financially despite having one of the smallest capacity stadiums in baseball. Bleacher Report wrote in 2013 that it was still the best venue in baseball, and it consistently ranks high on other publications' lists.

Ballpark rennovations

They’ve since added seats in the ballpark, including on top of the legendary Green Monster wall.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers: $5.45 Billion

The Dodgers have the baseball and sports world buzzing, as they spent over a billion dollars during the offseason acquiring free agents Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Not going anywhere

Many wonder how Los Angeles is able to fund such high-priced talent, but it seems like their revenue streams are a bottomless pit of wealth. The Ringer wrote in January 2024 that their advantage goes deeper than their pockets.

1. New York Yankees: $7.55 Billion

The Yankees are the most valuable franchise in MLB, and ranks as one of the most valuable assets in the world. People can look no further than the iconic Yankee hats, which are a staple of fashion all across the globe. Hat Heaven took a deep dive into why the lids are so popular.

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Branding pinstripes

New York can afford to double down on players with a seemingly infinite pool of resources, which helps them contend perennially.