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Top 20 Most Profitable Sports Teams in 2026

The 2026 list of the most profitable sports teams is dominated by major franchises, with the NFL and NBA leading the way ahead of even the Premier League, which holds the title of the world's most-watched competition.

These teams generate revenue from television rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise. Many have also benefited from strong recent performances. Below is a detailed overview of the top 10 most profitable teams, with data from Forbes' latest report, followed by a rundown of the teams ranked 20 to 11 with their operating income and estimated values.

Teams Ranked 20 to 11

  • 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 with a 52-30 record, finishing second in the Western Conference's Southwest Division. They mounted a strong playoff effort but lost in the first round to the Golden State Warriors in seven games. After missing the playoffs since 2020, the team added Kevin Durant, whose arrival alongside rising stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson boosted ticket sales, sponsorships, and TV interest. The 2025/26 season saw them remain a strong offensive team with a 52-30 record, though they were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, 4-2.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: Operating Income - $191 million, Value - $4.4 billion The Maple Leafs had a rough 2025/26 NHL season, ending with a 32–36–14 record and missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016. They placed 8th in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference. Despite this, their history of 13 Stanley Cup wins keeps them among hockey's most valuable franchises.

Tied for 7th Place

  • Philadelphia 76ers: Operating Income - $203 million, Value - $5.45 billion The 76ers posted a 45-37 record in the 2025-26 season, finishing 7th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Atlantic Division. Tyrese Maxey led scoring with 28.3 points per game, while Joel Embiid averaged 26.9 points. They reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were swept 4-0 by the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.
  • Atlanta Hawks: Operating Income - $203 million, Value - $5 billion Coached by Quin Snyder, the Hawks earned the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, avoiding the play-in tournament. Their playoff run ended in the first round with a 4-2 loss to the Knicks. Though their season ended early, the Hawks are seen as having potential for future success and were ranked in the NBA's top 10 power rankings before the season.

6th Place

  • New England Patriots: Operating Income - $222 million, Value - $9 billion The Patriots rebounded last year with a division title marking their best finish since Tom Brady's departure. Quarterback Drake Maye delivered an MVP-level performance in his second year, becoming a key figure for the franchise. The Patriots enjoy a global fanbase, including a large following in the UK, and aim to build on this momentum in 2026 after starting the season with one win and one loss.

5th Place

  • Mercedes F1: Operating Income - $227 million, Value - $6 billion Mercedes secured second place in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, trailing the winners McLaren. British driver George Russell contributed two Grand Prix wins and finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship. With 12 podium finishes during the season, Mercedes capitalized on its worldwide brand presence and strong sponsorship deals. Currently, drivers Kimi Antonelli and Russell lead the championship after 20 races.

Tied for 3rd Place

  • Los Angeles Rams: Operating Income - $244 million, Value - $10.5 billion The Rams finished second in the NFC West with a 12-5 record, clinching the fifth seed in the playoffs. They led the league offensively, averaging 30.5 points per game. Their postseason run ended in the NFC Championship game after losing to the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win the Super Bowl.
  • Edmonton Oilers: Operating Income - $244 million, Value - $10.5 billion Edmonton made the playoffs for the seventh straight year but exited early with a 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference First Round. This marked their earliest playoff departure since 2021, leading to the firing of head coach Kris Knoblauch. Stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to anchor one of the NHL's top offenses.

2nd Place

  • Golden State Warriors: Operating Income - $409 million, Value - $11 billion The Warriors struggled during the 2025/26 season, impacted by Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury in January. They finished 10th in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record, their first losing full season since 2011. After securing a play-in spot for the third year running, they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers but were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the next stage. This marks their second missed playoff appearance in three seasons.

1st Place

  • Dallas Cowboys: Operating Income - $629 million, Value - $13 billion Despite missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year and finishing 7-9-1, the Dallas Cowboys remain the most profitable sports team globally. Nicknamed 'America's team,' their offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, ranked among the league’s best in passing yards and attempts. Defensive struggles continue, resulting in the recent firing of defensive coach Matt Eberflus, marking the fourth defensive coach change in four years.

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