Sports Media with Richard Deitsch How does one come up with the value of a pro sports franchise? Meet one of the best at it.
Jun 30, 2025
Kurt Badenhausen, a seasoned sports business reporter for Sportico, shares his insights on valuing professional sports franchises. He explains the dramatic 180% increase in WNBA team values and the staggering $10.32 billion worth of the Dallas Cowboys. Badenhausen discusses how franchise valuations shift with markets and media rights, along with the critical role star athletes play in small markets like the Oklahoma City Thunder. The future of sports media and the rising interest of institutional investors in franchise values also spark an engaging conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sports Franchise Valuation Basics
- Sports franchise valuations are often done using multiples of annual revenue.
- Recent NBA deals show multiples rising from 2–3x revenue to an average of 12x, with some teams above 17x.
Valuation Differences by Sport
- Valuation approaches vary by sport due to league revenue structures and assets like real estate.
- For example, MLB's RSN equity has mostly evaporated, while NFL media rights flow through the league, affecting valuations.
Explosive Growth in WNBA Valuations
- WNBA team values surged 180% year-over-year, the largest growth seen in major sports.
- This reflects strong investor belief in rapidly growing revenue and potential.