Yankees hold top spot, Dodgers narrow gap
The New York Yankees remain the wealthiest team in Major League Baseball, valued at $8.5 billion according to Forbes' 2026 rankings. That figure is more than double the average MLB franchise value of $2.9 billion. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers, valued at $7.8 billion, have cut the gap from $1.4 billion last year to just $700 million. Two years ago, the difference stood at $2.1 billion. The Dodgers' 25-year, $8.35 billion local media rights deal and their status as reigning World Series champions have fueled the surge. Bankers told Forbes they could see the Dodgers surpassing the Yankees within a few years.
Top 10 richest MLB teams in 2026
Forbes' 2026 MLB team valuations, cross-referenced with Sportico and CNBC estimates, place all top-10 clubs above $3 billion. The list includes:
- 1. New York Yankees – $8.5 billion (owner: Steinbrenner family; 2025 revenue: $710M)
- 2. Los Angeles Dodgers – $7.8 billion (owner: Guggenheim Baseball Management; 2025 revenue: $850M)
- 3. Boston Red Sox – $5.25 billion (owner: Fenway Sports Group; 2025 revenue: $552M)
- 4. Chicago Cubs – $5.0 billion (owner: Ricketts family; 2025 revenue: $599M)
- 5. San Francisco Giants – $4.05 billion (owner: Greg Johnson et al.; 2025 revenue: $477M)
- 6. New York Mets – $3.5 billion (owner: Steve & Alexandra Cohen; 2025 revenue: $553M)
- 7. Philadelphia Phillies – $3.4 billion (owner: Middleton & Buck families; 2025 revenue: $539M)
- 8. Atlanta Braves – $3.35 billion (owner: Atlanta Braves Holdings; 2025 revenue: $524M)
- 9. Houston Astros – $3.2 billion (owner: Jim Crane; 2025 revenue: $464M)
- 10. San Diego Padres – $3.1 billion (owner: Seidler family; 2025 revenue: $452M)
San Diego Padres post biggest gain
The Padres recorded a 59% year-over-year jump, the largest of any top-10 team, lifting their valuation to $3.1 billion. The franchise is expected to fetch more than $3 billion in a potential sale, possibly reaching $3.5 billion with its events business. San Diego led the league in attendance behind only the Dodgers in 2025, drawing 3.4 million fans.
Houston Astros consistent performer
The Astros, valued at $3.2 billion, posted $464 million in revenue but operated at a -$45 million loss due to high payroll costs. Owner Jim Crane's franchise has won two World Series titles (2017, 2022) and consistently ranks among the league's highest-payroll teams, driving long-term value.
Atlanta Braves financially transparent
The Braves, valued at $3.35 billion, are publicly traded via Atlanta Braves Holdings, providing rare financial transparency. They generated $524 million in revenue and $27 million in operating income in 2025. The Battery Atlanta mixed-use development around Truist Park has been a major revenue driver.
Philadelphia Phillies nearly triple value
The Phillies have nearly tripled their valuation from $1.25 billion in 2015 to $3.4 billion today, fueled by the signing of Bryce Harper and consecutive World Series appearances (2022, 2023). Revenue reached $539 million in 2025.
New York Mets: Owner's wealth dwarfs franchise
The Mets are valued at $3.5 billion, but owner Steve Cohen's personal net worth of approximately $23 billion makes him the richest individual owner in MLB. Cohen paid $2.4 billion for the team in 2020, the highest price ever for an MLB franchise. The Mets posted $553 million in revenue but operated at a $268 million loss due to massive payroll and competitive balance tax payments.
San Francisco Giants attract institutional investment
The Giants, valued at $4.05 billion, posted $477 million in revenue and $54 million in operating income. Private equity firm Sixth Street recently bought a 10% stake, signaling strong institutional confidence.
Chicago Cubs invest in Wrigley Field
The Cubs, valued at $5.0 billion, generated $599 million in revenue. The Ricketts family has invested over $1 billion in modernizing Wrigley Field and the surrounding Wrigleyville area. They also partnered with Sinclair to launch Marquee Sports Network.
Boston Red Sox iconic brand
The Red Sox, valued at $5.25 billion, are owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns Liverpool FC and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fenway Park, the oldest active MLB ballpark, remains a major revenue generator. The team has won four World Series titles since 2004.
Los Angeles Dodgers closing on Yankees
The Dodgers' $7.8 billion valuation reflects a 13% year-over-year increase. Their $850 million in 2025 revenue is the highest in baseball, driven by a massive local media deal and strong attendance. Bankers suggest the Dodgers could overtake the Yankees within a few years if revenue trends continue.
New York Yankees reign supreme
The Yankees have been the most valuable MLB team every year since Forbes began ranking in 1998. Their $8.5 billion valuation is 12 times estimated 2025 revenue, a multiple more typical of the NBA or NFL. The Steinbrenner family also owns the YES Network and has a stake in AC Milan.
FAQs
What is the most valuable MLB team in 2026? The New York Yankees, worth $8.5 billion.
What MLB team has the richest owner? Steve Cohen of the New York Mets, worth $23 billion.
Are all MLB teams' values growing? No. The Chicago White Sox declined for the second straight year to $1.94 billion, while the average franchise rose 12% to $2.9 billion.
What is the least valuable MLB team? The Miami Marlins, at $1.5 billion, up 43% from 2025.
Could the Dodgers overtake the Yankees? Increasingly plausible. The gap has shrunk from $2.1 billion to $700 million in two years; bankers predict a possible change before 2030.
