New England Patriots Named Among Most Valuable Sports Franchises

The top team in the NFL has gained value according to a new study from Forbes.

In their annual list of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, the New England Patriots came in as the sixth most valuable team in the world, valued at $2.6 billion. The valuation is an increase of 44 percent and makes them the second most valuable NFL franchise and places them in a tie with the LA Lakers for the third most valuable franchise in North America.

European soccer powerhouse Real Madrid took the top spot, valued at $3.26 billion. The Dallas Cowboys ranked second overall and first for North American franchises with a value of $3.2 billion.

Other Boston teams on the list include the Red Sox, the 12th most valuable franchise at $2.1 billion and the Celtics at 20th and $1.7 billion.

Click here to see the full list from Forbes.