12: New York Yankees

Owner: George Steinbrenner
Value: US$1.19 billion

The New York Yankees are probably the most famous sports team in the world. Formally owned through Yankee Global Enterprises LLC, an entity set up in 1999, George Steinbrenner is the real owner of the franchise. 78-year old Steinbrenner handed over day-to-day control of the Yankees to his son, Hal, in November of last year. He is now responsible for the overall business and financial operations of the team.

The Yankees generate up to US$500 million a year in revenue. Last year, the Yankees took US$80 million in broadcasts rights fees – by far the largest figure in the MLB – from the YES Network, another Yankee Global Enterprises entity.

Despite the new US$1.1 billion, 52,325-capacity Yankee Stadium not yet having a naming rights deal, the Yankees can expect to hold on to much more money than last year. The MLB tax system ensures that poorer teams benefit from their richer counterparts. Last season, the Yankees had to pay out some US$95 million in MLB taxes. However, the MLB allows teams to subtract stadium operation costs and debt expenses before the tax subsidy amount is calculated. With more corporate seats and a construction loan to bear, the Yankees can deduct US$100 million in stadium and debt expenses this year.

27: Liverpool FC
84: Chicago Bulls
130: BMW Sauber F1 Team

The July/August issue of SportsPro magazine features an unprecedented report into the global sports industry, identifying and analysing the world’s 200 most valuable sports properties. For more information about SportsPro magazine, click here.