The world’s most valuable soccer teams have continued to grow despite challenges in the sports market, with average team values now hitting $2.3 billion—an increase of 5.1% from last year.
Revenue for the top 30 clubs climbed by 3%, averaging $397 million, while operating income rose by 57% to $36 million, underscoring the financial strength of these elite teams.
Real Madrid, valued at an impressive $6.6 billion, leads the global soccer valuation rankings for the third year in a row.
The Spanish club has topped this list eight times in the last 11 years. Meanwhile, the Premier League’s own Manchester United sits in second place, with a valuation of $6.55 billion.
Despite recent issues with the club’s ownership and disappointing performance on the pitch, Manchester United’s brand value remains resilient, buoyed by global fan support and revenue from extensive merchandising and broadcasting deals.
Real Madrid’s unstoppable brand dominance
Real Madrid’s extraordinary financial success is largely attributed to its performance on the international stage.
Since 2014, the team has accumulated 14 international titles, including five Champions League trophies, four European Super Cups, and four Club World Cups.
The club also boasts the highest revenue among the top 30 teams, bringing in $873 million, thanks in part to a strong fan base, high ticket sales, and lucrative sponsorships.
Real Madrid’s value, however, is not up for grabs on the stock market, as it is a member-owned entity with more than 90,000 club members holding ownership stakes.
Manchester United’s ownership saga and financial intrigue
Manchester United, the highest-valued Premier League club and second overall, recently made headlines when British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a 27.7% stake in the team.
Ratcliffe paid $33 per share, valuing Manchester United at an enterprise value of $6.5 billion. However, the club’s stock price remains undervalued on the market at $17 per share, a discrepancy that reflects dissatisfaction from fans and investors alike.
The Glazer family’s refusal to relinquish full control, despite interest from buyers like Sheikh Jassim, has added to the club’s struggles in the public market.
For portfolio managers like Chris Marangi of Gabelli Funds, Manchester United’s true value lies closer to Ratcliffe’s purchase price than the current market valuation.
Investors believe that a control sale could drive Manchester United’s stock well above the $33 per share mark, despite its recent on-field challenges in the Premier League.
Premier League betting: A growing influence on club value
Betting on the Premier League has further contributed to the financial ecosystem of elite clubs like Manchester United.
The immense popularity of betting in the league means that even underperforming teams maintain strong visibility among fans.
This betting culture has intensified interest in clubs’ performance and has fueled revenues from partnerships with betting firms and sponsorships.
The league’s global reach, combined with popular betting markets, keeps clubs in the public eye and financially relevant even when on-field performance dips.
Online betting has given fans worldwide a vested interest in the performance of clubs, heightening engagement and adding a revenue stream that amplifies teams’ bottom lines.
For teams like Manchester United, whose brand value remains high despite a lack of trophies, the betting economy is integral to maintaining interest and profitability.
Future growth prospects for elite clubs
The soaring values of soccer teams indicate that interest and investment in the sport are stronger than ever.
Major teams continue to expand their reach globally, with merchandise, digital media, and sponsorship deals driving revenue.
Even amidst fan discontent and fluctuating on-field performance, Premier League clubs and others continue to demonstrate financial growth, cementing their positions as powerful assets within global sports.
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