10 most profitable sports clubs in 2025 with combined $2.4billion profit

According to Forbes, the Dallas Cowboys topped the list of the ten most profitable sports clubs in 2025, with the top 10 teams collectively generating over $2.4 billion in profit during the most recent season.

The Cowboys, valued at over $10 billion, led the pack with a staggering $564 million in operating profit, almost double the second-place Los Angeles Rams, who earned $286 million.

The rankings are based on Forbes’ calculations, which include estimates of operating income and enterprise values. On average, the top 10 teams earned slightly above $240 million in profit, marking a 12% increase from the 2024 list.

Notably, Manchester United ($187 million) and Tottenham Hotspur ($161m million) were the only football clubs to make the list, representing the sole entries from outside North America.

NFL Dominance
The top 10 most profitable sports clubs amassed $2.4 billion in operating income, with five National Football League (NFL) teams leading the charge. In addition to the Cowboys and Rams, the New England Patriots ($261 million), New York Giants ($190 million), and Houston Texans ($164 million) were prominent contributors.

NFL franchises have benefited significantly from lucrative national media and sponsorship deals, which distributed an estimated $323 million to each team in 2023 before accounting for ticket sales or local revenues.

NBA and NHL Representation
The National Basketball Association (NBA) also featured prominently, with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks earning a combined $381 million in profits. The National Hockey League (NHL) had one representative in the top 10.

The Cowboys’ Blueprint for Success
The Dallas Cowboys’ financial success is underpinned by their remarkable $800 million in local revenue—double that of any other NFL team. This includes ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, sponsorships, and events held at their stadium.

Their model highlights the benefits of operating in a major market and controlling their stadium, which allows them to maximize revenue from luxury suites, sponsorship deals, and non-sports events like concerts.

In a league where the average team earned $143 million in operating income in 2023, the Cowboys have set a benchmark for profitability, reaffirming their status as the world’s most valuable sports team.