Forbes’ team values are enterprise values (equity plus net debt) based on the multiples of revenue of historical transactions, as well as offers to buy and invest in teams currently on the table. The values are based on each team’s current stadium (with adjustments for pending new stadiums and renovations). Revenue and operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) are for the 2015 season, net of stadium debt service. Revenue from non-NFL events, like concerts and stadium tours, is included when such revenue is pocketed by the team owner or an entity the owner controls.
Forbes: Cardinals are 23rd-most valuable NFL franchise
Sep 14, 2016, 2:39 PM
Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill, front, and his son, team president Michael Bidwill, stand on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
(AP Photo/Paul Connors)
The Arizona Cardinals rank in as the 23rd most valuable NFL franchise, according to Forbes.
In ranking the NFL franchises for the 19th straight year, Forbes elaborated on its methodology:
Originally purchased in 1932 for $50,000, the Cardinals are currently worth $2.02 billion. The value of the team jumped 31 percent over the past year. The average team is worth $2.3 billion due to new stadiums across the league and the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams.
In terms of current value, yearly change, debt/value, revenue and operating income, the Cardinals are among the middle of the pack in nearly every category. William Bidwill’s Cardinals run at a $348 million revenue and $95 million operating income.
Topping the Forbes list are the Dallas Cowboys, worth a staggering $4.2 billion and the New England Patriots listed at $3.4 billion.
