For What it's Worth: Forbes Top 50 Most Valuable Franchises

Each year Forbes Magazine ranks the Top 50 Most Valuable Sports Franchises in the World. It seems that there are always a few surprises along the way and the 2013 edition has its share head scratchers.

The top three spots go to international soccer powers lead by Spain’s Real Madrid, a close second is perennial powerhouse, England’s Manchester United and the third spot goes to yet another Spanish franchise FC Barcelona.

The first Untied States team to make the Forbes list are the New York Yankees in the fourth position. A number of key business moves including selling 49% of the Yes Network to the Fox Sports Media Group along with an international marketing agreement with English soccer power Manchester City helped the Yankees move to the head of the class in the U.S.

International soccer and NFL Football dominate the Forbes Top 50 list. A quick peek at the list shows a grand total of seven soccer teams make the list. The NFL is well represented with an astounding 31 teams making the list led the Cowboys, Patriots and Redskins in slots 5, 6 and 8 respectively.

We have already told you that the Yankees hold down the 4^th overall position but the Dodgers, with their new Time Warner deal crack the Top 10 for the very first time sliding in at number 7. Other MLB teams making the list include, the Red Sox in 11^th place, the Cubs are the 31^st most expensive franchise while the Phillies are 41^st overall and the Mets round out the baseball portion of the list at 45^th out 50 listed.

The NBA teams were few and far between on the list with just three making the grade. The Knicks were at the top of the rankings at number 22. They were followed by the Lakers at 31 and the Bulls in the 47^th slot.

Looking for an NHL franchisee?

Well that honor belongs to the Tornto Maple Leafs who were the only NHL representative coming in at 31^st overall. There were two Formula One teams that made the list Ferrari 21^st and McLaren 48^th on the Forbes list.

Some interesting omissions would be the Jacksonville Jaguars as the ONLY NFL team not to make the list. From the NBA the Champion Miami Heat, the iconic Celtics and free spending Nets were no where to be found. On the NHL front you have to wonder about Montreal, Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston and the New York Rangers None were on the Forbes list, clearly they are profitable franchises just as profitable as the NFL. But then again who is as profitable as the NFL?

Here is a complete list for you to enjoy.