MLB Team Valuations: Here’s Where Detroit Tigers Rank Ahead of Opening Day

With MLB’s Opening Day on the horizon, Forbes has released a ranking of the 30 MLB teams that shows how much the Detroit Tigers is worth as team valuations continue to surge.

The New York Yankees, valued at roughly $8.5 billion, have topped the rankings every year since Forbes began publishing MLB team valuations in 1998, and 2026 is no different. The Los Angeles Dodgers again rank second, followed by the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants.

On average, franchises are worth about $2.9 billion, with individual clubs’ worth driven by revenue from media rights, sponsorships and premium seating, Forbes said.

The Tigers, valued at $1.8 billion, ranks No. 22 in the Forbes ranking.

• One-year change: 16 percent
• Revenue: $363 million
• Operating income: $27 million
• Owners: Illitch family

The Tigers roster does not include any of the 10 highest-paid MLB players, according to a ranking released Tuesday by Forbes. The defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, is set to collect an estimated $127 million in 2026 before taxes and agents’ fees, a record for a baseball player.

The Tigers did make a splash in free agency, however, signing pitchers Framber Valdez (3 years, $115 million) and Justin Verlander (1 year, $13 million).

Pitcher Tarik Skubal is the team's highest-paid player for the 2026 season, earning a base cash salary of $32 million after winning a record-breaking arbitration case.

Average franchise values across MLB have surged in recent years, reaching record levels as teams benefit from strong ticket sales, sponsorships and new revenue streams, even as questions persist about the future of local media rights deals, Forbes said.

The Yankees’ enduring dominance is driven by their global brand, consistent attendance and lucrative YES Network television deal, while the Dodgers continue to capitalize on sustained on-field success and aggressive spending.

The Dodgers begin the season as favorites to contend for another World Series title after adding star talent to an already deep roster, while big-market teams such as the Yankees remain perennial contenders.

Behind the top tier, several franchises are seeing notable growth. The Oakland Athletics — amid plans for a future move to Las Vegas — have posted one of the largest recent valuation increases, highlighting how stadium developments and relocation plans can boost team worth.

Still, MLB’s overall growth has lagged behind other major U.S. leagues such as the NFL and NBA, with lower valuation multiples and slower appreciation over the past five years, reflecting investor caution about baseball’s long-term revenue outlook.

Top 10 Most Valuable MLB Teams

1. New York Yankees: $8.5 billion
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: $7.8 billion
3. Boston Red Sox: $5.25 billion
4. Chicago Cubs: $5 billion
5. San Francisco Giants: $4.05 billion
6. New York Mets: $3.5 billion
7. Philadelphia Phillies: $3.4 billion
8. Atlanta Braves: $3.35 billion
9. Houston Astros: $3.2 billion
10. San Diego Padres: $3.1 billion

At the bottom of the rankings are the Miami Marlins, with a value of $1.5 billion. Others in the bottom five are the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians.

Related: MLB Opening Day Calls Adventurous Eaters To The Plate