Top 20 Most Profitable Sports Teams in 2026

Leading the Pack: Most Profitable Sports Teams of 2026

The list of the top 20 most profitable sports teams in 2026 reveals some of the biggest global franchises, with the NFL and NBA clearly dominating over other major leagues like the Premier League. These teams generate income through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise, often boosted by strong performances on the field or court.

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

Top 10 Most Profitable Teams

• Tied 10th: Houston Rockets - Operating Income: $191 million | Value: $5.9 billionThe Rockets improved greatly in 2024/25, finishing second in the Western Conference's Southwest Division with a 52-30 record, largely thanks to their defensive prowess. Despite falling in the first playoff round after forcing a game seven against the Golden State Warriors, the team bolstered its offense by acquiring Kevin Durant. Rising stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have also helped increase ticket sales, sponsorships, and media attention. The 2025/26 season saw them maintain a 52-30 record but lose in the first playoff round to the Lakers, 4-2.
• Tied 9th: Toronto Maple Leafs - Operating Income: $191 million | Value: $4.4 billionThough missing the playoffs in 2025/26 with a 32–36–14 record, the Maple Leafs remain a financially strong franchise due to their rich history, including 13 Stanley Cup titles, keeping them among hockey's elite earners.
• Tied 8th: Philadelphia 76ers - Operating Income: $203 million | Value: $5.45 billionThe 76ers ended the 2025-26 season with a 45-37 record, securing seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Maxey led scoring with 28.3 points per game, while Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond contributed heavily. They reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were swept by the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.
• Tied 7th: Atlanta Hawks - Operating Income: $203 million | Value: $5 billionCoached by Quin Snyder, the Hawks earned the sixth seed in the East and skipped the play-in tournament. Their playoff run was cut short by the Knicks in the first round (4-2), yet the team's future looks promising with high expectations entering upcoming seasons.
• Tied 6rd: New England Patriots - Operating Income: $222 million | Value: $9 billionThe Patriots bounced back with a division title and their best post-Brady finish, powered by quarterback Drake Maye's MVP-caliber sophomore season. The franchise enjoys global support, including a large UK fanbase, and aims to build on early successes this year.
• Tied 5rd: Mercedes F1 - Operating Income: $227 million | Value: $6 billionMercedes secured second place in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, behind McLaren. British driver George Russell claimed two Grand Prix wins, finishing fourth in the Drivers' Championship. Strong sponsorships and worldwide brand presence contributed to a profitable season, with drivers Kimi Antonelli and Russell leading after 20 races in the current calendar.
• Tied 4rd: Los Angeles Rams - Operating Income: $244 million | Value: $10.5 billionThe Rams posted a 12-5 record, finishing second in the NFC West and fifth seed in the playoffs. Their offense led the league, averaging 30.5 points per game. Their run ended at the NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win the Super Bowl.
• Tied 3rd: Edmonton Oilers - Operating Income: $244 million | Value: $10.5 billionDespite clinching their seventh straight playoff spot, the Oilers exited early after a first-round loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The team dismissed head coach Kris Knoblauch after the season. Stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain key to their powerful offensive lineup.
• Tied 2rd: Golden State Warriors - Operating Income: $409 million | Value: $11 billionThe Warriors struggled in 2025/26 after losing Jimmy Butler to an ACL injury. They ended with a losing record (48–34) for the first full season since 2011. They made the play-in tournament but were eliminated after a second-round loss to the Phoenix Suns, marking their second playoff miss in three years.
• Tied 1rd: Dallas Cowboys - Operating Income: $629 million | Value: $13 billionKnown as 'America's Team,' the Cowboys remain the most profitable sports franchise worldwide. Though they missed the playoffs for a second year running with a 7-9-1 record, their offense led by Dak Prescott ranked among the league’s best. Defensive struggles have led to coaching changes as they seek improvements on that side of the ball.