Texas Rangers Worth Nearly As Much As Houston Astros
Despite six consecutive losing seasons and uncertainty regarding their local television broadcast deal, the Texas Rangers are worth nearly as much as the World Series champion Houston Astros.
The latest Forbes list of franchise values listed the Rangers at $2.225 billion, good for the 12th best among MLB’s 30 teams. That’s up 9% from last year for primary team owner Ray Davis. The Rangers had an operating income of $58.1 million.
The Rangers could face a serious loss of revenue with the parent company of Bally Sports Southwest going through bankruptcy. The future of Rangers games on TV in the Dallas-Fort Worth market is uncertain, though MLB is developing a contingency broadcasting plan.
The in-state rival Astros, who have enjoyed considerably more success over the past several years, checked in 11th with a value of $2.25 billion. Jim Crane’s world champs did see a 14% bump in value, though the club’s operating income of $44.3 million was significantly lower than Texas.
Team values were up big across Major League Baseball. According to Forbes:
The average MLB team value is up 12% this year, to $2.32 billion. During the 2022 season, revenue (net of stadium debt service) increased 7.8%, to an all-time high of $10.3 billion. The top-line gain was driven by a 64% increase in ticket revenue (including postseason and spring training), to $2.4 billion (the 2021 season started with nearly all ballparks under capacity restrictions) and a 35% increase in premium seating (suites and club seating) revenue, to $$1.16 billion. But operating income (in the sense of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) came in at an average of $17.7 million per team, down 20% from the previous season as player costs (salaries, bonuses and benefits) rose 13%, to $5.2 billion, and an increase in SG&A expenses.
The Los Angeles Angels are the most valuable team in the American League West at $2.7 billion, checking in seventh overall. The Seattle Mariners ($2.2 billion, 13th) fall right behind the Rangers. The Oakland Athletics, who could be moving to Las Vegas, are worth only more than the Miami Marlins are $1.18 billion.
The New York Yankees continue to lead all of MLB at $7.1 billion, up 18% from last year.
More From SI’s Inside The Rangers:
- Jose Altuve Injury Potentially Helps Texas Rangers Playoff Chances
- MLB Plan for Television Texas Rangers
- Texas Rangers Terminating TV Rights if Bally Sports Goes Bankrupt
- Texas Rangers TV Uncertain in RSN Bankruptcy
- Rangers Must Lock Up Two Big Stars Before Season
- Latest Rangers Roster Projection
- Rangers Make Decision on Left Fielder
- Nadel Steps Away from Rangers Broadcasts to Begin Season
- Rangers Opening Day Starter, Rotation Appear Set as Season Looms
- Rangers Ace deGrom Honest Thoughts on Pitch Clock, Organization
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