Ahead of the 2026 season, new financial estimates show that teams in Major League Baseball have collectively increased in value by about 13 percent, according to CNBC’s yearly franchise valuation report.
The New York Yankees remain the most valuable team in the league, with an estimated worth of $9 billion and continuing to stand as baseball’s most recognizable brand. Close behind are the reigning two-time champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose value surged by 38 percent to also reach roughly $9 billion.
Despite the similar valuation, the financial situations of the two teams differ. The Yankees reportedly carry around $90 million in debt, while the Dodgers have approximately $640 million in liabilities. Some observers question whether Los Angeles’ strategy of heavily deferred contracts such as the record 10-year, $700 million deal signed by Shohei Ohtani in 2023 played a role in their valuation. That contract includes $680 million in deferred payments.
The report also highlighted several notable financial developments across the league. The New York Mets ranked fifth in attendance and sixth in total revenue last season but still recorded an estimated $280 million operating loss. The deficit was largely due to a massive $430 million spent on player salaries and luxury tax penalties under owner Steve Cohen.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres saw their franchise value climb 48 percent to $3.1 billion while ranking 10th in league revenue. The team could soon be involved in a record-setting sale as owner John Seidler explores potential deals. While Cohen’s $2.42 billion purchase of the Mets in 2020 still stands as the highest price paid for an MLB team, financial experts believe the Padres could sell for more than $3 billion.
San Diego is considered attractive to investors partly because it lacks other major professional teams after the Los Angeles Chargers left the city in 2016 and the Los Angeles Clippers moved away decades earlier. Additionally, Petco Park has become a year-round entertainment venue hosting events such as WWE shows, Comic-Con gatherings, rodeos, and major concerts.
Another franchise seeing significant growth is the Oakland Athletics, whose value increased by 25 percent. The rise is largely linked to the team’s planned move from Sacramento to a new stadium in Las Vegas, where they are expected to begin playing in 2028.
At the lower end of the valuation list are the Miami Marlins, estimated to be worth $1.4 billion. The Marlins generated the league’s lowest revenue last season at $304 million and reportedly carry about $406 million in debt.
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