Seattle Mariners End 20-Year Playoff Drought in Style; Who Owns the Longest Active Playoff Drought Now?

Seattle Mariners End 20-Year Playoff Drought in Style; Who Owns the Longest Active Playoff Drought Now?

For 20 straight years, between 2002 and 2021, the Seattle Mariners failed to make the playoffs – it was the longest active playoff drought across all four major US sports. While they finished the 2022 season with the same record as 2021, this time it was enough to make the playoffs.

They finished second in the American League West and fifth in the AL. Their first playoff series in over 20 years came against the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card. Seattle defeated Toronto 4-0 in Game 1 and 10-9 in Game 2 to advance to the American League Divisional Series. 

Matched up against the Houston Astros, the Mariners have their hands full if they want a shot at the American League Championship Series. The series begins on October 11th and the teams will play a best-of-five series. While it doesn’t mean much, the Astros are viewed as the favorite.

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Who Owns the Longest Active Playoff Drought Now?

Seattle Mariners End 20-Year Playoff Drought in Style; Who Owns the Longest Active Playoff Drought Now?
Jaden Roberson / Shutterstock

After 20 years of no playoffs, the Seattle Mariners can finally take a deep, much-needed breath – especially considering there are only three other teams in the MLB, NHL, NBA, and NFL with a double-digit playoff drought. That’s a long time without a shot at winning a championship.

Now, the Mariners will look to end another drought – their World Series drought. Not only are they one of the six MLB teams to never win a World Series, but the Mariners are the only MLB team to never appear in the World Series. Of course, that can all change this postseason.

With that said, we’re not here to talk about championships – we’re here to talk about playoff droughts across the MLB, NHL, NBA, and NFL. Now that the Mariners no longer have the longest active playoff drought, let’s take a look at which teams are at the top of the list now.

Honorable Mentions: Atlanta Falcons (4 seasons), Carolina Panthers (4 seasons), Jacksonville Jaguars (4 seasons), Cleveland Cavaliers (4 seasons)

20. New Jersey Devils – 4 seasons

The New Jersey Devils last made the NHL playoffs during the 2017-18 season. They finished with a 44-29-9 record, which was good enough for 5th in the Metropolitan Division. Their playoff run didn’t last long, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series. 

The team hasn’t had a winning record since – ending with 31 wins in 2018-19, 28 wins in 2019-20, 19 wins in 2020-21, and 28 wins in 2021-22. It’s the second-longest in Devils’ history – they had a five-year drought between 1982 and 1987, and again between 2012 and 2017. 

19. Anaheim Ducks – 4 seasons

The Anaheim Ducks last made the NHL playoffs during the 2017-18 season. They finished with a 44-25-13 record, which was good enough for 2nd in the Pacific Division. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round, getting swept 4-0 by the San Jose Sharks in the best-of-seven series.

The Ducks have failed to finish with a winning record since, putting up 35 wins in 2018-19, 29 wins in 2019-20, 17 wins in 2020-21, and 31 wins in 2021-22. It’s the longest playoff drought in Devils’ history, having gone on two three-year playoff droughts in the franchise’s early years.

18. Colorado Rockies – 4 seasons

The Colorado Rockies last made the MLB postseason during the 2018 season. They finished with a 91-72 record that year, which was good enough for 2nd in the NL West. After defeating the Cubs in the Wild Card, they got swept by the Brewers 3-0 in a best-of-five series. 

The Rockies haven’t had a winning season since 2018 and even took a step back this season, compared to last year. In the team’s 30-year history, they’ve only made the playoffs five times. In 2007, they made it to the World Series, but got swept by the Red Sox in a best-of-seven series.

17. New York Giants – 5 seasons

The New York Giants last made the playoffs during the 2016 season. They finished the year with an 11-5 record under Ben McAdoo, placing second in the NFC East and earning a Wild Card berth. Unfortunately, they lost the Wild Card game 38-13 to the Green Bay Packers. 

The Giants have lost at least 10 games in each season since – they’re just 22-59 in that time. The good news is the team is currently on the up-and-up this season. They have a 4-1 record through five games and are in a good position to make the playoffs if they can keep it up. 

16. Detroit Lions – 5 seasons

The Detroit Lions last made the NFL playoffs during the 2016 season. They finished the year 9-7 under Jim Caldwell, placing second in the NFC North and earning a Wild Card berth. Unfortunately, they got swamped by the Seattle Seahawks 26-6 in the Wild Card game. 

The Lions followed that season with another 9-7 campaign, but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs. Since then, the team hasn’t won more than six games in a season and is just 11-36-2 over the past three years. They’ve had a 16-year playoff drought and two 11-year droughts. 

15. Miami Dolphins – 5 seasons

The Miami Dolphins last made the NFL playoffs during the 2016 season under Adam Gase. They finished the year with a 10-6 record, good enough for second in the AFC East and a Wild Card spot. Unfortunately, the Wild Card didn’t go well as the Dolphins lost to the Steelers 30-12. 

The Dolphins have been mediocre ever since and have been in playoff contention, but have come up short every year. They had a 10-6 record in 2020 and a 9-8 record in 2021. It’s not just a five-year playoff drought, but they’ve only made the playoffs twice over the past 20 years. 

14. Arizona Diamondbacks – 5 seasons

The Arizona Diamondbacks last made the MLB postseason during the 2017 season – five years ago. The team finished 93-69 that season, finishing second in the NL West and earning a spot in the Wild Card. They beat the Rockies, but got swept 3-0 by the Dodgers in the NLDS. 

The Diamondbacks’ franchise is only 24 years old – this being their 25th season. This is the team’s second five-year playoff drought, doing so between 2012 and 2016 before their most recent drought. They’ve made the postseason six times and won the World Series in 2001. 

13. Ottawa Senators – 5 seasons

The Ottawa Senators last made the NHL playoffs during the 2016-17 season – five years ago. They finished that season with a 44-28-10 record, good for 2nd in the Atlantic Division. They beat the Bruins 4-2 and the Rangers 4-2, but lost to the Penguins 3-4 in the Conference Finals.

The Senators missed the playoffs four straight years between 1992 and 1996 – the franchise’s first four years in existence. Since then, they’ve only missed the playoffs nine times and five of those have come since 2017. Unfortunately, I don’t expect them to be back for several years.

12. Charlotte Hornets – 6 seasons

The Charlotte Hornets last made the NBA playoffs during the 2015-16 season – six years ago. They finished with a 48-34 record that year, good enough for 6th in the Eastern Conference. The team was matched up against the Miami Heat in the first round, but lost the series 3-4. 

The Hornets were an extremely successful franchise between 1992 and 2002. They changed their name to the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004 and back to the Hornets in 2014. Unfortunately, they’ve only made the playoffs three times over the past 18 years – but that’ll change soon.

11. Denver Broncos – 6 seasons

The Denver Broncos last made the NFL playoffs during the 2015 season – six years ago. They finished that year with a 12-4 record, good for 1st place in the AFC West. They beat the Steelers in the divisional round, the Patriots in the AFC Championship, and Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Winning the Super Bowl was impressive, but they haven’t even been back to the playoffs since. Their six-year playoff drought is the second-longest drought in franchise history – they missed the playoffs 17 years in a row between 1960 and 1976, the first 17 years of their existence.

10. Texas Rangers – 6 seasons

The Texas Rangers last made the MLB postseason during the 2016 season – six years ago. They finished with a 95-67 record that year, good enough for 1st in the AL West. Unfortunately, they never made it out of the ALDS, getting swept by the Toronto Blue Jays in three games.

The Rangers have a long history of missing the playoffs. During the franchise’s 62-year history, they’ve only made the playoffs eight times. The team suffered a horrific 36-year playoff drought between 1961 and 1995, and a miserable 10-year playoff drought between 2000 and 2009. 

9. Baltimore Orioles – 6 seasons

The Baltimore Orioles last made the MLB postseason during the 2016 season – six years ago. They ended that season with an 89-73 record, good enough for third in the AL East and a Wild Card berth. Unfortunately, the team lost in the Wild Card game to the Blue Jays in extra innings.

The Orioles failed to make the postseason in the first 43 years of their existence. They went on a 12-year playoff drought between 1984 and 1995, and a 14-year playoff drought between 1998 and 2011. The team took a gigantic step forward this season, but still missed the postseason. 

8. Detroit Red Wings – 6 seasons

The Detroit Red Wings last made the NHL playoffs during the 2015-16 season – six years ago. They finished that year with a 41-30-11 record, but lost in the first round to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of a best-of-seven series. It was their 25th-straight playoff appearance.

The Red Wings haven’t missed the playoffs much during their long history, but they’ve made it a habit recently. They suffered a seven-year playoff drought between 1970 and 1977, and a five-year playoff drought between 1978 and 1983. They’ll eventually find their way back!

7. Kansas City Royals – 7 seasons

The Kansas City Royals last made the MLB postseason during the 2016 season – six years ago. They finished the season with a 95-67 record, good for first place in the AL Central. They beat the Astros and Blue Jays en route to their second-straight World Series appearance. 

The Royals won that 2016 World Series – their second title in franchise history. Unfortunately, they haven’t been to the playoffs or had a winning season since. Before those two World Series appearances, the team was on a 28-year playoff drought. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen again.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates – 7 seasons

Pittsburgh Pirates last made the MLB postseason during the 2015 season – seven years ago. They had a 98-64 record that year, finishing 2nd in the NL Central and earning a spot in the Wild Card. Unfortunately, they lost to the Cubs in the Wild Card game and haven’t been back since. 

Despite being in the league for more than 140 years, the Pirates don’t have a rich playoff history. They were on a 20-year playoff drought between 1993 and 2012, and a 10-year playoff drought between 1980 and 1989. I honestly have no idea when this team will make it back. 

5. Los Angeles Angels – 8 seasons

The Los Angeles Angels last made the MLB postseason during the 2014 season – eight years ago. They finished that season with a 98-64 record, good for first place in the AL West. They were matched up against the Kansas City Royals, but got swept 3-0 in a best-of-five series.

The Angels have had the pieces to get the job done the past eight years, but kept coming up short. In that time, they saw Mike Trout win the MVP twice and Shohei Ohtani win Rookie of the Year and MVP. They went on a 15-year playoff drought between 1987 and 2001.

4. Detroit Tigers – 8 seasons

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The Detroit Tigers last made the MLB postseason during the 2014 season – eight years ago. They finished that season with a 90-72 record, good enough for 1st place in the AL Central – their fourth consecutive year winning their division. They got swept by the Orioles in the ALDS. 

The Tigers made it to the World Series in 2006 and 2012, but lost both times. They’ve had one winning season in the past eight years – the same year Michael Fulmer won Rookie of the Year – but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs. This drought might continue for a few more years.

3. New York Jets – 11 seasons

The New York Jets last made the NFL playoffs during the 2010 season – 11 years ago. They finished that season with an 11-5 record, second in the AFC East. They beat the Colts in the Wild Card and the Patriots in the divisional, but lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship.

The Jets have only had one winning season over the past 11 years – a 10-6 season in 2015 under Todd Bowles. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to end the playoff drought. Now, they’re just 6-29 in the past two years and while they have a lot of young talent, they’re often overmatched.

2. Buffalo Sabres – 11 seasons

The Buffalo Sabres last made the NHL playoffs during the 2010-11 season – 11 years ago. They finished with a 43-29-10 that year, good for 3rd in the Northeast division. They lost to the Flyers in Game 7 of the Conference Quarterfinals – they were outscored 22-18 throughout the series. 

The Sabres have been in quite the lengthy rebuild, but it seems like they’re finally on their way to ending their playoff drought. If it doesn’t come this season, then it’ll likely happen in the next 2-3 years. Honestly, all they really need is a reliable, experienced, and proven goaltender.

1. Sacramento Kings – 16 seasons

The Sacramento Kings last made the NBA playoffs during the 2005-06 season – 16 years ago. They finished with a 44-38 record, good enough for fourth in the Western Conference. They were matchup up with the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, but lost in six games. 

The Kings currently own the longest active playoff drought across the four major US sports. They haven’t won more than 39 games in that time and have gone through 11 head coaches. They have their best team in recent history, so if they’re going to end the drought, now’s the time.

Which Team Will End Their Playoff Drought Next?

To summarize what we learned above, the Kings have the longest active playoff drought by a longshot – with the Sabres and Jets coming in tied for second. There were two teams that haven’t been in seven or eight seasons, and five teams that haven’t been in six or five years.

Of the 20 teams listed above, only two were NBA teams, five were NHL teams, five were NFL teams, and eight were MLB teams. As you can see, the MLB has been very top heavy in recent years, while the NBA is very unpredictable. The NFL and NHL are somewhere in-between.

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Now, that begs the question – who will be the next team to end their playoff drought? The Kings are on the up and up, but are a few years away. Personally, I think the Sabres will be the team to do it next. They’ve been rebuilding for far too long, but finally have the pieces to make noise.

Robert Sarver Could Sell the Suns for More Than $3 Billion; How Does That Rank Among the 20 Most Valuable Sports Franchises?

Robert Sarver has officially started the process of selling the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), with some experts suggesting a $3 billion price tag for the two. He originally purchased the teams for roughly $400 million in 2004, along with an investor collective. 

Sarver reportedly owns 40% of the teams, meaning he will be due a hefty paycheck when the sale is finalized. This comes after the NBA handed Sarver a $10 million fine and one-year suspension for racist remarks and misogyny over the course of the past two decades. 

While some expect the sale to be around the $3 billion mark, others are suggesting it’ll be closer to $2 billion – of course, it all depends on how many people are interested and how the auction plays out. Either way, Sarver will likely earn around $1 billion when that day finally comes. 

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What Are the Most Valuable Sports Franchises Today?

Robert Sarver Could Sell the Suns for More Than $3 Billion; How Does That Rank Among the 20 Most Valuable Sports Franchises?
Miguel Angel Lopez Rojas / Shutterstock

As of right now, the Phoenix Suns are estimated to be worth around $1.9 billion – which ranks 18th in the NBA. Whoever decides to purchase the team will inherit a team that was in the NBA Finals just two years ago and has an impressive 115-39 record over the past two seasons.

With a coach like Monty Williams and players like Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton, the new owner will have plenty of talent to keep the winning going. And with the value of NBA teams increasing every single year, purchasing the Suns makes for a good investment. 

With that said, you’d be surprised to learn that the Phoenix Suns don’t even crack the top-20 most valuable sports franchises today. In fact, they don’t even crack the top-50 and are more than $1 billion away from No. 50 – which belongs to Chelsea, worth an incredible $3.1 billion.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 20 most valuable sports franchises today!

20. Manchester United – $4.6 billion

Manchester United is one of the most storied football franchises in the history of the sport. They were founded in 1878 – a mere 144 years ago – as Newton Heath LYR F.C., but changed their name in 1902. They play at Old Trafford (capacity of 74,310 people) in Old Trafford, England.

Over their rich history, Man U has won a total of 20 Premier League titles, 12 FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and 21 FA Community Shields. The team has also won the UEFA Champions League three times, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Super Cup. 

19. Miami Dolphins – $4.6 billion

The Miami Dolphins are the only NFL team to go undefeated in the regular season and playoffs – doing so in 1972. The team was founded on August 16, 1965 – 57 years ago – and plays at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. They used to play at the Miami Orange Bowl.

Over the team’s history, they’ve made 23 playoff appearances – almost half of the time. They’ve won 13 AFC East Championships, five AFC Championships, and two Super Bowls – doing so back-to-back in 1972 and 1973. They’ve only made the playoffs twice in the past 20 years.

18. Denver Broncos – $4.65 billion

The Denver Broncos currently have the most losses in a Super Bowl (5), which is tied with the New England Patriots. The team was founded on August 15, 1959 – 63 years ago – and plays at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. They play in the AFC West division. 

The Broncos are owned by Rob Walton. Over the team’s history, they’ve made 22 appearances in the playoffs and have won 15 AFC West Championships, eight AFC Championships, and three Super Bowls – 1997, 1998, and 2015. Their last playoff appearance came in 2015.

17. Houston Texans – $4.7 billion

The Houston Texans are the most recent team to join the NFL, doing so on October 6, 1999 – though they didn’t begin play until 2002. They were owned by Bob McNair until his death in 2018 and his wife, Janice, now owns the team. They play at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. 

The team hasn’t accomplished much in their 23-year history, only making six appearances in the playoffs. While they’ve won six AFC South Championships, they’ve never won the AFC Championship or been to a Super Bowl. Their last playoff appearance came in 2019 vs. Buffalo.

16. Philadelphia Eagles – $4.9 billion

The Philadelphia Eagles were founded on July 8, 1933 – 89 years ago – and currently play in Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. They’ve played in the NFC East since 1970 and are most known for their intense rivalries with the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Eagles have a 603-627-27 regular season record and 23-24 playoff record since joining the NFL. They’ve made 28 playoff appearances – 14 since 2000 – and have won 15 NFL/NFC East championships, four NFC championships, one Super Bowl, and three NFL championships. 

15. Barcelona – $5.0 billion

Barcelona is one of the most storied franchises in La Liga history – the No. 1 football league in Spain. The team was founded on November 29, 1899 – a mere 122 years ago – and currently plays at Camp Nou (capacity of 99,354 people) in Barcelona, Spain. Xavi is their manager.

Over their rich history, Barcelona has won a total of 75 domestic trophies. They’ve won the La Liga title 26 times, the Copa del Rey 31 times, the Supercopa de Espana 13 times, the Copa Eva Duarte three times, and the Copa de la Liga twice. You either love them or hate them.

14. Las Vegas Raiders – $5.1 billion

The Las Vegas Raiders were founded on January 30, 1960 – 62 years ago – as the Oakland Raiders, but made the move to Sin City in 2020. They’re owned by Mark Davis and play at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, NV – on the Las Vegas Strip. It makes for a fun away game.

The Raiders have only made the playoffs twice in the past 19 years – losing in the Wild Card both years. They have a 491-447-11 regular season record and 25-20 playoff record. They made the playoffs 23 times, won 15 division championships, four AFC titles, and three Super Bowls. 

13. Real Madrid – $5.1 billion

Real Madrid is the most valuable football (soccer) team in the world right now – more than Man U and Barcelona. They were founded on March 6, 1902 – 120 years ago – and play their games at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain. The stadium has a capacity of 81,044 people. 

The team plays in La Liga – the top flight in Spain – and are one of the three founding members of the league (Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are the other two). The team has won 68 domestic trophies since 1902, including 35 La Liga titles (the most all-time) and 19 Copa del Rey titles. 

12. San Francisco 49ers – $5.2 billion

The San Francisco 49ers were founded on June 4, 1944 – 78 years ago – and are currently owned by 49ers Enterprises. They began play in 1946 and play their home games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Denise DeBartolo York and John York are the co-chairmen. 

The 49ers have a rich history – largely thanks to Steve Young, Joe Montana, and Jerry Rice. The franchise has a 561-492-14 regular season record and 34-22 playoff record. They’ve made the playoffs 28 times, won the NFC West 20 times, the NFC seven times, and five Super Bowls.

11. New York Jets – $5.4 billion

The New York Jets were founded on August 14, 1959 – 63 years ago – and played their first season in 1960. They’re owned by Woody and Christopher Johnson, play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, and are in the AFC East. They used to be called the Titans of New York.

The Jets have an abysmal 414-527-8 all-time regular season record and 12-13 playoff record. They’ve made just 14 playoff appearances – none since 2010 – and have won four division championships, no conference championships, one Super Bowl, and one AFL Championship.

10. Los Angeles Lakers – $5.5 billion

The Los Angeles Lakers were founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers, but changed their name in 1960. They’re currently owned by Jeanie Buss (among other investors) and play at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Rob Pelinka is the GM and Darvin Ham is the coach.

The Lakers are the most storied franchise in NBA history. They have a 3,453-2,361 all-time regular season record and 456-305 playoff record. The team has won 34 division titles, 19 conference titles, and 17 NBA Championships – tied for the most all-time with the Celtics. 

9. Washington Commanders – $5.6 billion

The Washington Commanders were founded on July 9, 1932 – 90 years ago. They’ve had several name changes over the years, including the Boston Braves, Boston Redskins, Washington Redskins, and Washington Football Team. They’re owned by Daniel Snyder. 

With that said, an ownership change is likely incoming if the NFL forces it. The team has a 617-622-28 regular season record and 23-20 playoff record. They’ve made the playoffs 25 times, won 15 division championships, five conference championships, and three Super Bowls. 

8. Golden State Warriors – $5.6 billion

The Golden State Warriors were founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors – they were also the San Francisco Warriors between 1962 and 1971. The team is owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, and the team currently plays at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 

The Warriors have a 2,826-3,031 all-time regular season record and 190-159 playoff record – they’ve been the most successful team over the past decade. They’ve won 12 division titles, seven conference titles, and seven championships – including four of the past eight titles.

7. Chicago Bears – $5.8 billion

The Chicago Bears were founded on September 20, 1919 – 103 years ago – as the Decatur Staleys. They moved to Chi-Town in 1921 and changed their name to the Bears the following year. The team is owned by Virginia Halas McCaskey and plays at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.

The Bears have a rich history in the NFL. They have a 783-610-42 all-time regular season record and a 17-20 playoff record. The team has made 28 appearances in the playoffs and have won 19 division championships, four conference championships, and one Super Bowl title.

6. New York Knicks – $5.8 billion

The New York Knicks were founded in 1946 and, unlike most other teams, have never changed their name or relocated. They’re owned by James Dolan with Leon Rose serving as president and Scott Perry as general manager. They play home games at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks have a storied history in the NBA, though they’ve faced their downfalls and setbacks. The team has a 2,877-3,064 all-time regular season record and 187-194 playoff record. They’ve won eight division titles, four conference titles, and two NBA championships. 

5. New York Giants – $6 billion

The New York Giants were founded on August 1, 1925 – 97 years ago – and have never relocated or changed their name. They’re currently owned by John Mara (serving as president) and Steve Tisch (serving as chairman), and share MetLife Stadium with the New York Jets.

The Giants haven’t had a lot of success since Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin retired – the team has just one playoff appearance since 2012. They have a 706-631-33 all-time regular season record and 24-25 playoff record. They won four Super Bowls between 1986 and 2011. 

4. New York Yankees – $6 billion 

The New York Yankees are the most storied franchise in MLB history. They were founded in 1903 as the New York Highlanders, but changed their name to the Yankees in 1913. The team is currently owned by Yankee Global Enterprises and they play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

The Yankees have 10,701-8,063 all-time regular season record and 41-172 postseason record. They’ve had nine Wild Card berths, won 20 AL East division titles, 40 AL Pennants, and 27 World Series titles – the most among any franchise across the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. 

3. Los Angeles Rams – $6.2 billion

The Los Angeles Rams are the reigning Super Bowl champions, so it’s no surprise to see them near the top of this list. The team was founded in 1936 – 86 years ago – and are currently owned by Stan Kroenke, who serves as chairman and CEO. They play at SoFi Stadium. 

The Rams have gone by two other team names over their rich history – including the Cleveland Rams and St. Louis Rams. They have a 599-580-21 all-time regular season record and 26-27 playoff record. They’ve won 18 division titles, eight conference titles, and two Super Bowls. 

2. New England Patriots – $6.4 billion

The New England Patriots are the most successful NFL franchise over the past two decades, mostly due to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The team was founded on November 16, 1959 – 62 years ago. They’re owned by Robert Kraft and play at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.

The Patriots have a 529-411-9 all-time regular season record and 37-22 playoff record. They’ve made the playoffs 28 times, won the AFC East 22 times, won the AFC Championship 11 times, and won the Super Bowl six times – all of which coming with Brady and Belichick at the helm.

1. Dallas Cowboys – $8 billion

The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world – by a longshot, might I add. The team was founded on January 28, 1960 – 62 years ago – and are currently owned by Jerry Jones, the most popular sports team owner in the world. They play at AT&T Stadium. 

The Cowboys have had their fair share of ups and downs over the past six decades. They have a 538-403-6 all-time regular season record and 35-29 playoff record. They’ve been to the playoffs 34 times, won 24 division titles, 10 conference titles, and five Super Bowl titles.  

Interesting Stats About the Most Valuable Sports Franchises Today

The NFL is by far the most valuable sports league in the world with 30 of their 32 teams cracking the top-50 most valuable sports franchises today. For reference, the NBA has seven teams in the top-50 and the MLB has five teams in the top-50. The EPL has four teams. 

California has eight sports teams in the top-50, while New York and England are tied for second with four teams each. Florida, Illinois, and Massachusetts are also worth noting with three teams each. If you want the most valuable sports franchises today, this is where you’ll find them.

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As for the NHL and MLS, they have no teams listed among the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The Indian Premier League (cricket) also failed to make the list – the Mumbai Indians are the most valuable cricket team, estimated to be worth around $1.3 billion. 

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