Forbes ranks Cardinals top 50 most valuable sports franchise in world
Sep 12, 2022, 11:29 AM | Updated: 12:37 pm
(L-R) Owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys talks with owner Michael Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals before the game at AT&T Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals are one of the 50 most valuable sports organizations on Earth.
On one hand, their $3.27 billion valuation ranks 47th among all sports organizations, according to Forbes. On the other hand, they’re 30th in value among NFL franchises, ahead of only the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals.
Charles Bidwill purchased the Cardinals in 1933, back when they played in Chicago. His $50,000 purchase was equivalent to $918,000 in 2018, adjusting for inflation. The jump from $918,000 to $3.27 billion is an increase of over 356,000% over 89 years.
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Before the 1960 season, and under the ownership of longtime owner Bill Bidwill, they moved to St. Louis. That was their last stop before settling in Phoenix in 1988.
In the 60 years of Bill Bidwill’s ownership, the Cardinals made the playoffs eight times with nine additional winning seasons. Since moving to State Farm Stadium in 2006, they’ve won three division titles, made a Super Bowl and made the postseason five times.
On Oct. 2, 2019, Bidwill died at 88 years old. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor at halftime of the Cardinals’ season opener on Sunday.
His son, Michael, now runs the organization.
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