Survey by Fortune Finds the Dodgers Are Most Valuable Sports Franchise

The Dodgers are the most valuable franchise in the history of professional sports, according to a survey by Fortune magazine. Citing estimates by “knowledgeable industry sources,” the Aug. 4 edition listed the approximate value of 98 American sports franchises, and the Dodgers and the New York Yankees were rated 1-2, valued at between $91 million and $100 million each.

Not surprisingly, the survey showed that the most valuable teams are those in the largest markets. Third through seventh on the list are National Football League franchises in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Worth $76 million to $90 million are the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the Rams, the Raiders and the Chicago Bears. Also in that bracket are the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys.

The Angels are valued in the $56-million to $60-million range.

The first National Basketball Assn. franchise listed in the survey is the Boston Celtics, valued at between $41 million and $50 million. The Lakers, the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers are next at $36 million to $40 million.