Real Madrid is the most valuable sports team in the world, according to the latest annual Forbes list.
Los Blancos, who won the Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, are worth an estimated $3.44 billion (2.5 billion euros), according to Forbes. The value is calculated on equity, debt, and stadium deals.
The top three slots in the list were all football clubs, with La Liga rivals Barcelona second at $3.2 billion, and Premier League side Manchester United third, worth $2.81 billion.
Of the 50 sports teams to feature in the list, 30 are American Football teams. The Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars are the only two NFL franchises that do not make the list by Forbes.
As well as Real Madrid an Barcelona, there are six other football teams listed in the top 50 most valuable sports teams in the world. Joining Manchester United from the Premier League are Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. German side Bayern Munich and Italy’s AC Milan also feature.
Forbes estimated Los Blancos made $78 million for winning the Champions League this season, and generates annual revenues of around $675 million. In addition, the club’s income is boosted by an adidas kit deal worth $41 million a year, along with a lucrative deal with Emirates airline worth $39 million a year.
