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Top 20 Most Profitable Sports Teams in 2026

The 2026 rankings of the world's most profitable sports franchises highlight dominance from the NFL and NBA, surpassing the Premier League despite its global popularity. These teams thrive on lucrative TV deals, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise, often boosted by strong performances on the field or court.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11 by Profitability

  • 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

Teams Tied for 9th Place

  • Houston Rockets - Operating Income: $191 million | Value: $5.9 billion After finishing second in the Western Conference during the 2024/25 season with a 52-30 record, the Rockets showed significant defensive strength. Despite forcing a game seven in the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, they fell short. The team improved their offense by acquiring Kevin Durant, a former MVP and two-time NBA champion, alongside rising stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, boosting ticket sales and media coverage. In 2025/26, they maintained a 52-30 record, finishing 2nd in their division but lost 4-2 to the Lakers in the first playoff round.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs - Operating Income: $191 million | Value: $4.4 billion The Maple Leafs struggled in the 2025/26 NHL season, ending with a 32–36–14 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They ranked 8th in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference. Despite this, their legacy of 13 Stanley Cup wins keeps them as a top-earning franchise in ice hockey.

Teams Tied for 7th Place

  • Philadelphia 76ers - Operating Income: $203 million | Value: $5.45 billion The 76ers ended the 2025-26 regular season with a 45-37 record, securing 7th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Atlantic Division. Tyrese Maxey led with 28.3 points per game, while Joel Embiid averaged 26.9 points and Andre Drummond 8.4 rebounds. Their playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 4-0 defeat to the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.
  • Atlanta Hawks - Operating Income: $203 million | Value: $5 billion The Hawks secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, avoiding the play-in tournament. Coached by Quin Snyder, they were eliminated 4-2 in the first playoff round by the Knicks. The team is seen as having potential for future success, ranking high in pre-season power rankings.

Other Top Teams

  • 6. New England Patriots - Operating Income: $222 million | Value: $9 billion The Patriots rebounded with a division title, largely thanks to quarterback Drake Maye's MVP-level performance in his sophomore year. Their global fanbase, including strong UK support, looks forward to continued success after winning one and losing one game so far in the 2026 season.
  • 5. Mercedes F1 - Operating Income: $227 million | Value: $6 billion Mercedes secured second in the 2025 Constructors' Championship behind McLaren. British driver George Russell contributed two Grand Prix wins and finished fourth in the Drivers' standings. The brand’s global reach and sponsorship deals bolstered their earnings, with drivers Kimi Antonelli and Russell leading after 20 races in the new calendar.
  • Tied 3rd. Los Angeles Rams - Operating Income: $244 million | Value: $10.5 billion The Rams placed second in the NFC West with a 12-5 record, reaching the NFC Championship game before losing to Seattle Seahawks. Their offense averaged 30.5 points per game, the highest in the league.
  • Tied 3rd. Edmonton Oilers - Operating Income: $244 million | Value: $10.5 billion The Oilers made their seventh consecutive playoff appearance but exited early in the first round, losing 4-2 to the Anaheim Ducks. Following this, coach Kris Knoblauch was fired. Stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to anchor a strong offensive lineup.
  • 2. Golden State Warriors - Operating Income: $409 million | Value: $11 billion The Warriors faced setbacks with star Jimmy Butler’s ACL injury. They ended the season 10th in the Western Conference, failing to improve on their previous record. They won a play-in match against the Clippers but were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the next round, marking their second missed playoff appearance in three years.
  • 1. Dallas Cowboys - Operating Income: $629 million | Value: $13 billion Despite missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year with a 7-9-1 record, the Cowboys remain the most profitable sports team worldwide. Led offensively by quarterback Dak Prescott, who topped the league in pass attempts and yardage, their defense struggled, prompting another coaching change as they seek stability.

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