Forbes magazine has released a top 10 list of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. While it is mostly made up of American gridiron Football (NFL) and American Baseball (MLB) teams, there are three European association football teams in there, and Arsenal is one of them.

  1. Manchester United (EPL): $1.8 billion
  2. Dallas Cowboys (NFL): $1.6 billion
  3. Washington Redskins (NFL): $1.5 billion
  4. New England Patriots (NFL): $1.32 billion
  5. New York Yankees (MLB): $1.3 billion
  6. Real Madrid (La Liga): $1.29 billion
  7. Arsenal (EPL): $1.2 billion
  8. New York Giants (NFL): $1.18 billion
  9. New York Jets (NFL): $1.17 billion
  10. Houston Texans (NFL): $1.17 billion

The Forbes article states that Arsenal took in $329 million in revenue last year—also mentioning the pricing of club level seats and private boxes at Emirates Stadium ,and the value of the stadium naming rights.

Television revenue, advertising sponsorship, fan merchandising, and revenue-producing assets like stadiums and match day receipts are fueling these valuations.

Clearly, the earning power of these clubs is very healthy, which bodes well for any spending plans that they have. Who needs billionaire owners when you generate that much economic wealth on your own?

Ok, that might make Manchester United a bit of a contradiction, but it bodes well for Arsenal's business model.

Now Arsenal needs the on-pitch performance to match such lofty heights.