Everyone knows that sports are more than fun and games. They are emotional, they are thrilling, they showcase the human spirit at its best (unless you're a Cubs fan), but they're also a business. Find out whether your club made the list.
WASHINGTON — Everyone knows that sports are more than just fun and games. They are emotional, they are thrilling and they showcase the human spirit at its best (unless you’re a Cubs fan). Every victory is a battle.
Sports are also big business. We’re talking billions and billions here.
Spoiler alert: 29 of the NFL’s 32 teams made the top 50. The Bills, Bengals and Lions did not make the list.
So while baseball is America’s pastime, it’s clear that football is America’s sport.
Check the gallery below to see where the clubs rank (some teams were tied for value).
#50: Cleveland Browns, $1.95 billion
Cleveland Browns quarterback Drew Stanton throws during practice at the NFL football team’s training camp facility, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Berea, Ohio.
(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
AP Photo/Tony Dejak
#49: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $1.975 billion
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries (10) runs with a reception in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (20) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
#48: New Orleans Saints, $2 billion
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL divisional football playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018.
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
#47: Tennessee Titans, $2.05 billion
Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) along with the rest of the team run onto the field prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. .
(AP Photo/Stew Milne)
AP Photo/Stew Milne
#46: Chelsea, $2.062 billion
Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud fights for the ball with Manchester United’s Chris Smalling, right, during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, May 19, 2018.
(AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
AP Photo/Tim Ireland
#45: Jacksonville Jaguars, $2.075 billion
FILE – In this Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017 file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (89) makes a move to get around Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Javien Elliott (35) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Jacksonville, Fla. Marcedes Lewis wasn’t sure if the Green Bay Packers were the right fit for him. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Jimmy Graham made him feel comfortable at Lambeau Field.
(AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File)
AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File
#43: Kansas City Chiefs, $2.1 billion
FILE- In this Dec. 31, 2017, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) signals against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver. The countdown to the Mahomes era in Kansas City is down to six weeks, with no apparent caveats. The Chiefs’ trade of Alex Smith to Washington becomes official in March, but already the Chiefs are preparing for life under a new QB.
(AP Photo/Joe Mahoney, File)
AP Photo/Joe Mahoney, File
#43: New York Mets, $2.1 billion
New York Mets’ Michael Conforto (30) celebrates with teammates after the Mets beat the Washington Nationals 7-4 in a baseball game, Saturday, July 14, 2018, in New York.
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
AP Photo/Julie Jacobson
#41: Arizona Cardinals, $2.15 billion
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) passes against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Seattle.
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
#41: Los Angeles Clippers, $2.15 billion
Los Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker, right, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyler Ennis watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in Los Angeles.
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
#40: Houston Rockets, $2.2 billion
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) gestures during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Rockets in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
#39: Arsenal, $2.238 billion
Aresenal’s Mikel Arteta celebrates after scoring his side’s fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium in London, Saturday Feb. 4, 2012.
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
#38: Los Angeles Chargers, $2.275 billion
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Darius Philon reacts after sacking Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
(AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
AP Photo/Alex Gallardo
#36: Carolina Panthers, $2.3 billion
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018.
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
AP Photo/Butch Dill
#36: Brooklyn Nets, $2.3 billion
Brooklyn Nets’ Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, right, looks for a shot in front of Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon (00) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Orlando, Fla.
(AP Photo/John Raoux)
AP Photo/John Raoux
#35: Indianapolis Colts, $2.375 billion
FILE – In this Dec. 3, 2017, file photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) scrambles between Jacksonville Jaguars defensive ends Yannick Ngakoue (91) and Dante Fowler (56) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File
#34: Oakland Raiders, $2.38 billion
Oakland Raiders’ Derek Carr, right, celebrates with Michael Crabtree after Carr passed for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
#33: Minnesota Vikings, $2.4 billion
FILE – In this Dec. 17, 2017, file photo, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) celebrates with teammate Brian Robison (96) after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Minneapolis. The Vikings have re-signed Newman, bringing the NFL’s oldest active defensive player back for a 16th season that will begin five days after he turns 40.
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File
#32: Seattle Seahawks, $2.425 billion
FILE – In this Oct. 22, 2015, file photo, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) reacts after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks, two people familiar with the trade told The Associated Press Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
(AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
AP Photo/Ben Margot, File
#31: Pittsburgh Steelers, $2.45 billion
FILE – In this Dec. 25, 2016, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) leaps into the end zone ahead of Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have put the franchise tag on All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell for a second straight spring, putting his long-term status with the club up in the air.
(AP Photo/Don Wright, File)
AP Photo/Don Wright, File
#30: Manchester City, $2.474 billion
Manchester City’s Fernandinho celebrates scoring his side’s third goal of the game against Brighton & Hove Albion during the English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday May 9, 2018.
(Martin Rickett/PA via AP)
Martin Rickett/PA via AP
#29: Atlanta Falcons, $2.475 billion
FILE – In this Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, file photo Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) is shown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Atlanta. After being slowed late last season by a sprained right knee and missing two games with his second of two 2017 concussions, Freeman said Wednesday, May 2, 2018, he’s feeling strong and expects to be ready for training camp this summer.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
AP Photo/John Bazemore, File
#27: Baltimore Ravens, $2.5 billion
FILE – In this Dec. 17, 2017, file photo, Baltimore Ravens’ Brandon Williams (98) celebrates after scoring on a 1-yard fumble recovery during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland. Having overcome a malady that won’t show up on any injury report, Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams is ready to resume his lucrative NFL career. Williams has an eye disease called keratoconus, a degenerative disorder which warps the corneas and can potentially cause blindness if left untreated.
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File
#27: Boston Celtics, $2.5 billion
Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers’ Larry Nance Jr. (22) and Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals Friday, May 25, 2018, in Cleveland.
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
AP Photo/Ron Schwane
#26: Green Bay Packers, $2.55 billion
FILE – In this Dec. 17, 2017, file photo, Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Rodgers wants to follow Tom Brady’s path and still chuck it when he’s in his 40s. He also accepts that in today’s NFL he might again follow Brett Favre’s footsteps and one day don something other than the green and gold.
(AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File
#25: Miami Dolphins, $2.575 billion
FILE – In this Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, file photo, Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake (32) runs for a touchdown, during the second half of an NFL football game Denver Broncos in Miami Gardens, Fla.
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File
#23: Denver Broncos, $2.6 billion
FILE – In this Sept. 17, 2017, file photo, Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, in Denver.
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File
#23: Chicago Bulls, $2.6 billion
Chicago Bulls’ Sean Kilpatrick (0) scores past Charlotte Hornets’ Willy Hernangomez (41) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Chicago. The Bulls won 120-114.
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
#22: Philadelphia Eagles, $2.65 billion
FILE – In this Feb. 4, 2018 photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, right, hands the Vincent Lombardi trophy to Nick Foles after winning the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New England Patriots in Minneapolis. The Eagles won 41-33.
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
#21: New York Jets, $2.75 billion
FILE – In this Dec. 10, 2017, file photo, New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game Denver. The Jets and quarterback McCown have agreed on a one-year deal, McCown’s agent Mike McCartney announced Tuesday, March 13, 2018, on Twitter.
(AP Photo/Joe Mahoney, File)
AP Photo/Joe Mahoney, File
#19: Houston Texans, $2.8 billion
FILE – In this Sept. 24, 2017, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson runs during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File
#19: Boston Red Sox, $2.8 billion
Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale (41) throws during the first inning of the Major League Baseball All-star Game, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
#17: Chicago Bears, $2.85 billion
In this Dec. 31, 2017, file photo, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. The Bears have spent the offseason adding pieces to help Trubisky develop into the franchise quarterback they believe he can become.
(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)
AP Photo/Jim Mone, File
#17: San Francisco Giants, $2.85 billion
San Francisco Giants’ Buster Posey drives in a run with a single during the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics in a baseball game Friday, July 13, 2018, in San Francisco.
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
#16: Chicago Cubs, $2.9 billion
Chicago Cubs Kyle Schwarber (12) hits during the MLB Home Run Derby, at Nationals Park, Monday, July 16, 2018 in Washington.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
#14: Los Angeles Rams, $3 billion
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, right, catches a touchdown pass past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole during the first half of an NFL football wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles.
(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo
#14: Los Angeles Dodgers, $3 billion
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw works against a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, July 9, 2018, in San Diego.
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
AP Photo/Gregory Bull
#13: San Francisco 49ers, $3.05 billion
In this Dec. 3, 2017, file photo, San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) sets to block against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game in Chicago.
(AP Photo/Jeff Haynes, File)
AP Photo/Jeff Haynes, File
#12: Bayern Munich, $3.063 billion
Bayern’s Mats Hummels and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane challenge for the ball during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
(AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
AP Photo/Francisco Seco
#10: Washington Redskins, $3.1 billion
Washington Redskins inside linebacker Zach Brown celebrates a play in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Seattle.
(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
AP Photo/Stephen Brashear
#10: Golden State Warriors, $3.1 billion
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry celebrates in the second half of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Friday, June 8, 2018, in Cleveland.
(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
AP Photo/Tony Dejak
#8: New York Giants, $3.3 billion
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J.
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
#8: Los Angeles Lakers, $3.3 billion
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant acknowledges the fans after the last NBA basketball game of his career, against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. Bryant scored 60 points as the Lakers won 101-96.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
#7: New York Knicks, $3.6 billion
New York Knicks forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (3) drives around Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio (3) in the first half during an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in Salt Lake City.
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
#6: New England Patriots, $3.7 billion
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gives a shout as he takes the field to warm up before the AFC championship NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
#5: New York Yankees, $4 billion
New York Yankees Aaron Judge (99) walks out to bat during the sixth inning at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Washington.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
#4: Barcelona, $4.064 billion
Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Sevilla during the Copa del Rey final soccer match between Barcelona and Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, April 21, 2018.
(AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
AP Photo/Francisco Seco
#3: Real Madrid, $4.09 billion
In this Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 file photo Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his side’s 2nd goal during the Champions League soccer match, round of 16, 1st leg between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain.
(AP Photo/Paul White, File)
AP Photo/Paul White, File
#2: Manchester United, $4.123 billion
Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, center right, celebrates after his pass sets up his side’s first goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Watford at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Sunday, May 13, 2018.
(Martin Rickett/PA via AP)
Martin Rickett/PA via AP
#1: Dallas Cowboys, $4.8 billion
Dallas Cowboys’ Brice Butler scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
William Vitka is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. He's been in the news industry for over a decade. Before joining WTOP, he worked for CBS News, Stuff Magazine, The New York Post and wrote a variety of books—about a dozen of them, with more to come.
