Even coming out of a worldwide pandemic, the NFL is an incredibly lucrative investment.
With fans flocking back to stadiums for the 2021-22 season as the COVID-19 pandemic waned, franchise values soared. Team valuations went up an average of 28.5% from the season before, making the NFL yet again the most profitable league in sports.
See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts
Find: 3 Easy Tips To Turn Your Credit Woes Into Wows
So, which teams increased in value the most, and which had the least revenue in the 2021-22 season? GOBankingRates evaluated all 32 teams and ranked them in terms of revenue. Find out which NFL team is the richest.
32. Detroit Lions
- Revenue: $452 million
- Operating Income: $114 million
- Current Value: $3.05 billion
The Lions struggled to a 3-13-1 season last year, but there’s renewed optimism in the second season with Dan Campbell as coach.
31. Cincinnati Bengals
- Revenue: $462 million
- Operating Income: $89 million
- Current Value: $3 billion
A surprising Super Bowl run helped the Bengals jump 32% in value last season. With Joe Burrow seemingly on the rise as a quarterback, Cincinnati’s future appears bright.
30. Arizona Cardinals
- Revenue: $467 million
- Operating Income: $112 million
- Current Value: $3.27 billion
The Cardinals have tied their future to dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray, signing him to a 5-year, $230.5 million deal. Arizona is hoping he can be the difference in an NFC West that features the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
Take Our Poll: Do You Think Student Loan Debt Should Be Forgiven?
29. Buffalo Bills
- Revenue: $470 million
- Operating Income: $83 million
- Current Value: $3.4 billion
Buffalo’s revenue jumped an eye-popping 50% in one year, and the Bills’ fortunes are on the rise. Led by up-and-coming QB Josh Allen, the Bills enter the season as a Super Bowl favorite.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Revenue: $471 million
- Operating Income: $114 million
- Current Value: $3.475 billion
The Urban Meyer era ended in embarrassing fashion, with the Jaguars firing the coach mid-season. Jacksonville hopes new coach Doug Pederson can unlock quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s potential.
27. Tennessee Titans
- Revenue: $481 million
- Operating Income: $115 million
- Current Value: $3.5 billion
Despite earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs last season, the Titans flopped in the playoffs and need to rebound.
26. Indianapolis Colts
- Revenue: $484 million
- Operating Income: $100 million
- Current Value: $3.8 billion
The Colts’ value jumped 17% from 2020 to 2021. Indianapolis’ quarterback carousel spun again, as the team brought in Matt Ryan to replace Carson Wentz, who was traded to the Commanders. The Colts are still looking for their first long-term solution at the position since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019.
25. New Orleans Saints
- Revenue: $490 million
- Operating Income: $125 million
- Current Value: $3.575 billion
The Saints enter their first season under new coach Dennis Allen, after 15 years under Sean Payton. But with Jameis Winston under center and a strong defense, New Orleans hopes to make some noise in the postseason.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
- Revenue: $491 million
- Operating Income: $156 million
- Current Value: $3.875 billion
The Chargers’ first season at the $5 billion SoFi Stadium was a financial windfall, with the seventh-highest operating income for the season.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Revenue: $492 million
- Operating Income: $62 million
- Current Value: $3.675 billion
The second season with Tom Brady as quarterback led to a 25% increase in franchise value, and it will be interesting to see if the QB’s retirement, then un-retirement, will provide another boost.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Revenue: $494 million
- Operating Income: $135 million
- Current Value: $3.975 billion
After 17 seasons with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, the Steelers are starting a new era with Mitchell Trubisky under center. Rest assured Mike Tomlin won’t lower expectations for the franchise.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
- Revenue: $495 million
- Operating Income: $135 million
- Current Value: $3.7 billion
After four consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances (but only one Super Bowl title), the Chiefs face high expectations again this season. Superstar receiver Tyreek Hill has gone to Miami, but with Patrick Mahomes at QB, Kansas City is still a threat.
20. Minnesota Vikings
- Revenue: $500 million
- Operating Income: $141 million
- Current Value: $3.925 billion
The Vikings have disappointed their fans the past few seasons, falling short of the postseason with an 8-9 record last season. Can new coach Kevin O’Connell get this team over the hump?
19. Carolina Panthers
- Revenue: $501 million
- Operating Income: $139 million
- Current Value: $3.6 billion
Panthers owner David Tepper is the NFL’s second richest owner, with a personal net worth of $17.3 billion, Forbes reports. He has yet to purchase a winner with his franchise, however.
18. Atlanta Falcons
- Revenue: $506 million
- Operating Income: $172 million
- Current Value: $4 billion
By jettisoning longtime quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons signaled they would be undergoing a rebuild. That should be right in the wheelhouse for owner Arthur Blank, who founded Home Depot.
17. Cleveland Browns
- Revenue: $510 million
- Operating Income: $90 million
- Current Value: $3.85 billion
With a 48% jump in franchise value (the second-largest on this list), the Browns are a financial powerhouse. The team gambled on signing quarterback Deshaun Watson to an unprecedented $230 million, fully guaranteed contract.
16. Baltimore Ravens
- Revenue: $512 million
- Operating Income: $127 million
- Current Value: $3.9 billion
The Ravens are on sound financial footing, even with just a 15% jump in franchise value. Now the team needs to decide if it will break the bank to sign former MVP Lamar Jackson to a lucrative contract extension.
15. Seattle Seahawks
- Revenue: $518 million
- Operating Income: $123 million
- Current Value: $4.5 billion
The Seahawks are owned by the estate of Paul Allen and managed by his sister, Jody Allen. There are plenty of rumors that the franchise could be up for sale at some point soon, and the price tag will certainly be high.
14. New York Jets
- Revenue: $519 million
- Operating Income: $136 million
- Current Value: $5.4 billion
Hope springs eternal in the NFL, even in New York. But the Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 and play in the rugged AFC East with the Bills, Dolphins and Patriots.
13. Chicago Bears
- Revenue: $520 million
- Operating Income: $156 million
- Current Value: $5.8 billion
The Bears gained 42% in value despite a 6-11 record. The franchise turned to new coach Matt Eberflus to try to untap the potential in second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
12. Denver Broncos
- Revenue: $526 million
- Operating Income: $143 million
- Current Value: $4.65 billion
An ownership group led by Wal-Mart heir Rob Walton purchased the team for $4.65 billion in June, and now the new owners are hoping quarterback Russell Wilson can lead the team to a title.
11. Miami Dolphins
- Revenue: $533 million
- Operating Income: $160 million
- Current Value: $4.6 billion
The Dolphins last won a Super Bowl in 1973, and while no one is banking on them winning the Lombardi Trophy this year, this clearly is a franchise on the rise. The Dolphins finished 9-8 last season, narrowly missing the playoffs, and grew in value by 35% over the previous year.
10. Green Bay Packers
- Revenue: $543 million
- Operating Income: $138 million
- Current Value: $4.25 billion
The Green Bay Packers are raking in plenty of cash, but that money isn’t going to line the pockets of any billionaire owners. The Packers are the one team in the four major sports that is owned by its fans. In 2021, the Pack won the NFC North and came up a game short of the Super Bowl, and the team will be seeking to reach the big game as the clock ticks on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ career.
9. Washington Commanders
- Revenue: $544 million
- Operating Income: $130 million
- Current Value: $5.6 billion
The team made a huge move by choosing “Commanders” as the new name. But they’re still facing plenty of controversy, as owner Daniel Snyder and the team are under investigation for workplace harassments.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
- Revenue: $547 million
- Operating Income: $130 million
- Current Value: $5.6 billion
The Eagles are a chic pick to win the NFC East, if quarterback Jalen Hurts can continue his upswing.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
- Revenue: $563 million
- Operating Income: $116 million
- Current Value: $5.1 billion
The Silver and Black moved to Las Vegas before the 2020 season and got a huge bump from having fans at the new Allegiant Stadium. The franchise’s value leapt a whopping 49%.
6. Houston Texans
- Revenue: $571 million
- Operating Income: $211 million
- Current Value: $4.7 billion
After a dismal 4-13 season, the Texans face another uphill battle, hoping second-year quarterback Davis Mills can steal some wins. Still, the Texans head into the season with the third-best revenue number in the NFL.
5. San Francisco 49ers
- Revenue: $575 million
- Operating Income: $142 million
- Current Value: $5.2 billion
An NFC Championship berth led to a 25% bump in franchise value, and 49ers fans are hoping second-year quarterback Trey Lance can get the franchise over the hurdle and into the Super Bowl.
4. New York Giants
- Revenue: $584 million
- Operating Income: $178 million
- Current Value: $6 billion
The Giants haven’t reached the playoffs since 2016, but fans of Big Blue aren’t convinced that quarterback Daniel Jones is the man to lead the team back.
GOBankingRates
Open Bank Account
Best Banks 2023
Save on Taxes
Sign In
Advertiser Disclosure
MONEY / BUSINESS
Here’s How Rich Every NFL Team Is
Dec 31, 2022 9 min ReadBy George Malone
Matt Ludtke/AP/Shutterstock / Matt Ludtke/AP/Shutterstock
Even coming out of a worldwide pandemic, the NFL is an incredibly lucrative investment.
With fans flocking back to stadiums for the 2021-22 season as the COVID-19 pandemic waned, franchise values soared. Team valuations went up an average of 28.5% from the season before, making the NFL yet again the most profitable league in sports.
See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts
Find: 3 Easy Tips To Turn Your Credit Woes Into Wows
So, which teams increased in value the most, and which had the least revenue in the 2021-22 season? GOBankingRates evaluated all 32 teams and ranked them in terms of revenue. Find out which NFL team is the richest.
Make Your Money Work Better for You
32. Detroit Lions
Revenue: $452 million
Operating Income: $114 million
Current Value: $3.05 billion
The Lions struggled to a 3-13-1 season last year, but there’s renewed optimism in the second season with Dan Campbell as coach.
31. Cincinnati Bengals
Revenue: $462 million
Operating Income: $89 million
Current Value: $3 billion
A surprising Super Bowl run helped the Bengals jump 32% in value last season. With Joe Burrow seemingly on the rise as a quarterback, Cincinnati’s future appears bright.
30. Arizona Cardinals
Revenue: $467 million
Operating Income: $112 million
Current Value: $3.27 billion
The Cardinals have tied their future to dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray, signing him to a 5-year, $230.5 million deal. Arizona is hoping he can be the difference in an NFC West that features the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
Take Our Poll: Do You Think Student Loan Debt Should Be Forgiven?
29. Buffalo Bills
Revenue: $470 million
Operating Income: $83 million
Current Value: $3.4 billion
Buffalo’s revenue jumped an eye-popping 50% in one year, and the Bills’ fortunes are on the rise. Led by up-and-coming QB Josh Allen, the Bills enter the season as a Super Bowl favorite.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Revenue: $471 million
Operating Income: $114 million
Current Value: $3.475 billion
The Urban Meyer era ended in embarrassing fashion, with the Jaguars firing the coach mid-season. Jacksonville hopes new coach Doug Pederson can unlock quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s potential.
27. Tennessee Titans
Revenue: $481 million
Operating Income: $115 million
Current Value: $3.5 billion
Despite earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs last season, the Titans flopped in the playoffs and need to rebound.
26. Indianapolis Colts
Revenue: $484 million
Operating Income: $100 million
Current Value: $3.8 billion
The Colts’ value jumped 17% from 2020 to 2021. Indianapolis’ quarterback carousel spun again, as the team brought in Matt Ryan to replace Carson Wentz, who was traded to the Commanders. The Colts are still looking for their first long-term solution at the position since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019.
Make Your Money Work Better for You
25. New Orleans Saints
Revenue: $490 million
Operating Income: $125 million
Current Value: $3.575 billion
The Saints enter their first season under new coach Dennis Allen, after 15 years under Sean Payton. But with Jameis Winston under center and a strong defense, New Orleans hopes to make some noise in the postseason.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
Revenue: $491 million
Operating Income: $156 million
Current Value: $3.875 billion
The Chargers’ first season at the $5 billion SoFi Stadium was a financial windfall, with the seventh-highest operating income for the season.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Revenue: $492 million
Operating Income: $62 million
Current Value: $3.675 billion
The second season with Tom Brady as quarterback led to a 25% increase in franchise value, and it will be interesting to see if the QB’s retirement, then un-retirement, will provide another boost.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Revenue: $494 million
Operating Income: $135 million
Current Value: $3.975 billion
After 17 seasons with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, the Steelers are starting a new era with Mitchell Trubisky under center. Rest assured Mike Tomlin won’t lower expectations for the franchise.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
Revenue: $495 million
Operating Income: $135 million
Current Value: $3.7 billion
After four consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances (but only one Super Bowl title), the Chiefs face high expectations again this season. Superstar receiver Tyreek Hill has gone to Miami, but with Patrick Mahomes at QB, Kansas City is still a threat.
20. Minnesota Vikings
Revenue: $500 million
Operating Income: $141 million
Current Value: $3.925 billion
The Vikings have disappointed their fans the past few seasons, falling short of the postseason with an 8-9 record last season. Can new coach Kevin O’Connell get this team over the hump?
19. Carolina Panthers
Revenue: $501 million
Operating Income: $139 million
Current Value: $3.6 billion
Panthers owner David Tepper is the NFL’s second richest owner, with a personal net worth of $17.3 billion, Forbes reports. He has yet to purchase a winner with his franchise, however.
18. Atlanta Falcons
Revenue: $506 million
Operating Income: $172 million
Current Value: $4 billion
By jettisoning longtime quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons signaled they would be undergoing a rebuild. That should be right in the wheelhouse for owner Arthur Blank, who founded Home Depot.
Make Your Money Work Better for You
17. Cleveland Browns
Revenue: $510 million
Operating Income: $90 million
Current Value: $3.85 billion
With a 48% jump in franchise value (the second-largest on this list), the Browns are a financial powerhouse. The team gambled on signing quarterback Deshaun Watson to an unprecedented $230 million, fully guaranteed contract.
16. Baltimore Ravens
Revenue: $512 million
Operating Income: $127 million
Current Value: $3.9 billion
The Ravens are on sound financial footing, even with just a 15% jump in franchise value. Now the team needs to decide if it will break the bank to sign former MVP Lamar Jackson to a lucrative contract extension.
15. Seattle Seahawks
Revenue: $518 million
Operating Income: $123 million
Current Value: $4.5 billion
The Seahawks are owned by the estate of Paul Allen and managed by his sister, Jody Allen. There are plenty of rumors that the franchise could be up for sale at some point soon, and the price tag will certainly be high.
14. New York Jets
Revenue: $519 million
Operating Income: $136 million
Current Value: $5.4 billion
Hope springs eternal in the NFL, even in New York. But the Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 and play in the rugged AFC East with the Bills, Dolphins and Patriots.
13. Chicago Bears
Revenue: $520 million
Operating Income: $156 million
Current Value: $5.8 billion
The Bears gained 42% in value despite a 6-11 record. The franchise turned to new coach Matt Eberflus to try to untap the potential in second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
12. Denver Broncos
Revenue: $526 million
Operating Income: $143 million
Current Value: $4.65 billion
An ownership group led by Wal-Mart heir Rob Walton purchased the team for $4.65 billion in June, and now the new owners are hoping quarterback Russell Wilson can lead the team to a title.
11. Miami Dolphins
Revenue: $533 million
Operating Income: $160 million
Current Value: $4.6 billion
The Dolphins last won a Super Bowl in 1973, and while no one is banking on them winning the Lombardi Trophy this year, this clearly is a franchise on the rise. The Dolphins finished 9-8 last season, narrowly missing the playoffs, and grew in value by 35% over the previous year.
Make Your Money Work Better for You
10. Green Bay Packers
Revenue: $543 million
Operating Income: $138 million
Current Value: $4.25 billion
The Green Bay Packers are raking in plenty of cash, but that money isn’t going to line the pockets of any billionaire owners. The Packers are the one team in the four major sports that is owned by its fans. In 2021, the Pack won the NFC North and came up a game short of the Super Bowl, and the team will be seeking to reach the big game as the clock ticks on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ career.
9. Washington Commanders
Revenue: $544 million
Operating Income: $130 million
Current Value: $5.6 billion
The team made a huge move by choosing “Commanders” as the new name. But they’re still facing plenty of controversy, as owner Daniel Snyder and the team are under investigation for workplace harassments.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
Revenue: $547 million
Operating Income: $130 million
Current Value: $5.6 billion
The Eagles are a chic pick to win the NFC East, if quarterback Jalen Hurts can continue his upswing.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Revenue: $563 million
Operating Income: $116 million
Current Value: $5.1 billion
The Silver and Black moved to Las Vegas before the 2020 season and got a huge bump from having fans at the new Allegiant Stadium. The franchise’s value leapt a whopping 49%.
6. Houston Texans
Revenue: $571 million
Operating Income: $211 million
Current Value: $4.7 billion
After a dismal 4-13 season, the Texans face another uphill battle, hoping second-year quarterback Davis Mills can steal some wins. Still, the Texans head into the season with the third-best revenue number in the NFL.
5. San Francisco 49ers
Revenue: $575 million
Operating Income: $142 million
Current Value: $5.2 billion
An NFC Championship berth led to a 25% bump in franchise value, and 49ers fans are hoping second-year quarterback Trey Lance can get the franchise over the hurdle and into the Super Bowl.
4. New York Giants
Revenue: $584 million
Operating Income: $178 million
Current Value: $6 billion
The Giants haven’t reached the playoffs since 2016, but fans of Big Blue aren’t convinced that quarterback Daniel Jones is the man to lead the team back.
Make Your Money Work Better for You
3. Los Angeles Rams
Revenue: $628 million
Operating Income: $203 million
Current Value: $6.2 billion
Los Angeles’ more successful, more lucrative team is coming off a Super Bowl victory. The new $5 billion SoFi Stadium welcomed fans for the first time, leading to a 29% bump in value.
2. New England Patriots
Revenue: $651 million
Operating Income: $231 million
Current Value: $6.4 billion
The Patriots are learning that life is a lot easier when your quarterback is arguably the greatest player in NFL history. With Tom Brady under center, New England won six Super Bowl titles. With Brady gone to Tampa Bay, the Pats are struggling and are no longer the cream of the crop in the AFC. Where they are elite, however, is in revenue. Their $231 million in revenue ranks second on this list.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Revenue: $1.1 billion
Operating Income: $466 million
Current Value: $8 billion
As a business, “America’s Team” has no peer. Dallas cruised to the title of the most valuable team in the NFL for the 15th straight year. Valued at $8 billion, the Cowboys, in fact, are the most valuable franchise in the world across all sports. Despite not reaching a Super Bowl since 1996, Dallas is the undisputed king of NFL revenue.
George Malone:
Follow
