MLB Team Revenues Relative to Franchise Valuations

This report summarizes Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises by comparing their estimated 2024 revenues to their 2025 Forbes valuations. By calculating the revenue-to-valuation ratio, we gain insight into each team's operational revenue efficiency and how market perception, brand value, and financial performance affect long-term asset value. Higher ratios may suggest underappreciated revenue streams, while lower ratios may indicate valuations heavily supported by brand equity or non-operating factors.

Team Rankings: Revenue to Valuation Ratios (2025)

Key Observations

- Smaller-market teams like the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers show relatively strong revenue-to-valuation ratios, suggesting operational efficiency and potential undervaluation.

- Large franchises such as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, while generating massive revenues, have lower ratios, indicating that their valuations are driven more by brand equity, market prestige, and long-term media rights.

- Teams like the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies balance strong revenues with moderate valuations, reflecting competitive balance.

Conclusion

Revenue relative to valuation provides another dimension of understanding franchise health and investment potential. Teams with high ratios are monetizing their value more aggressively, while teams with lower ratios are often trading on legacy brand strength and broader market expectations.

Sources

- Forbes MLB Team Valuations 2025: https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinteitelbaum/2025/03/26/baseballs-most-valuable-teams-2025/

- Forbes MLB Team Revenues (2024 Est.): https://www.forbes.com/mlb-valuations/list/