Forbes ranks 49ers in the top 5 in value
Levi’s Stadium may have lacked character last season, but it didn’t lack cash. According to Forbes magazine, the 49ers are the fifth-most valuable franchise in the NFL at $2.7 billion.
That’s up from ninth place last season ($1.6 billion), and the 60 percent jump in value is the biggest one-year increase of any NFL franchise, according to Forbes.
“In 2014 the 49ers moved out of antiquated Candlestick Park and into $1.2 billion Levi’s Stadium,” the magazine reported. “Presto! The team’s revenue from ticket sales, sponsors, concessions, luxury suites and non-football events jumped 160% versus the previous season.”
The 49ers went 8-8 last season and 4-4 at Levi’s Stadium. A report last week by the city of Santa Clara said revenues from the stadium – which also hosts concerts, soccer matches and other events – have exceeded expectations and that $2.8 million has been generated for the city’s general fund.
The Raiders, who reportedly are one of three teams interested in moving to Los Angeles, are No. 31 in Forbes’ report with a value of $1.43 billion, topping only the Buffalo Bills ($1.4 billion).
The Dallas Cowboys ($4 billion), New England Patriots ($3.2 billion), Washington ($2.85 billion) and New York Giants ($2.8 billion) round out the top 5. The 49ers bumped the Houston Texans from the No. 5 spot this season.
Matt Barrows: @mattbarrows, read more about the team at sacbee.com/sf49ers.
This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Forbes ranks 49ers in the top 5 in value."