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Forbes has released an updated list of the most valuable teams financially for 2015, and with the top 5 teams remaining virtually unchanged since 2013's list. And without further adieu, here is this year's list:
| Team | Value ($M) | Revenue ($M) | Operating Income ($M)1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Sounders | 245 | 50 | 10 |
| LA Galaxy | 240 | 44 | 4 |
| Houston Dynamo | 200 | 26 | 5 |
| Portland Timbers | 185 | 35 | 4 |
| Toronto FC | 175 | 32 | -7 |
| Sporting Kansas City | 165 | 29 | 4 |
| Chicago Fire | 160 | 21 | -6 |
| New England Revolution | 158 | 25 | 7 |
| FC Dallas | 148 | 25 | -3 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 146 | 13 | -1 |
| Philadelphia Union | 145 | 25 | 2 |
| New York Red Bulls | 144 | 22 | -9 |
| D.C. United | 140 | 21 | -1 |
| Montreal Impact | 128 | 22 | -3 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 125 | 21 | -6 |
| Columbus Crew | 112 | 18 | -4 |
| Real Salt Lake | 108 | 17 | 1 |
| Colorado Rapids | 105 | 15 | -3 |
D.C. United is 13th in this year's list, up from 18th since 2013. More surprising is that if Forbes' numbers are accurate (and their methodology relies on "...published reports, stadium leases and interviews with industry sources." in the article), D.C. has almost doubled in value, from $71 million in 2013.
Additionally, D.C. appears to have both increased revenue (a 10% jump in attendance from 2013) while reducing operating income, and their stronger grasp on salaries certainly help in that regard, along with the stadium agreement and now slowly moving towards that reality.
Other observations:
- The Portland Timbers and Houston Dynamo swap spots since 2013, but the Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy and Toronto FC continue to round out the Top 5. Only surprise is the Dynamo still being in the Top 5 maybe?
- As mentioned in the article and to reiterate the point, a new stadium sure does help, as the San Jose Earthquakes jump from 16th on the 2013 list (at $75 million) to 10th this year (at $146 million).
So what are your thoughts on the list, D.C. United-wise or otherwise?