The top four teams in Forbes' annual analysis of estimated MLB franchise values all appreciated between 13-14%.
Meanwhile, most big-market franchises are still in the early stages of multi-billion dollar local TV contracts, even as the industry struggles with the existential crisis of cord-cutting and how to stream games to fans without upsetting broadcast partners. The Los Angeles Dodgers, per Forbes, received $189 million in local TV revenue in 2021.
The top four teams all appreciated between 13-14%, with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs both enjoying new revenue streams and diversifying sports portfolios. Red Sox owner John Henry's Fenway Sports Group owns English Premier League soccer club Liverpool, while the Ricketts family, which owns the Cubs, is bidding for the EPL's Chelsea FC.
Twelve of the 30 MLB franchises are now estimated to be worth at least $2 billion, with the Washington Nationals' 12% appreciation now putting them over that mark. The Miami Marlins remained flat at $990 million and the lone club valued below $1 billion; owner Bruce Sherman assumed significant debt when he purchased the club in 2017, likely depressing that figure.