MLB teams (Image Via Getty) Major League Baseball teams are becoming more valuable than ever. A new report from CNBC shows that the average value of MLB franchises has jumped by about 13 percent ahead of the 2026 season. Even with changing finances and rising payrolls, the league’s biggest brands continue to grow. The New York Yankees remain the most valuable team in baseball, reaching an estimated $9 billion valuation, according to CNBC’s annual MLB franchise report. But the new numbers also reveal a mixed picture across the league. While some teams are seeing strong growth, others are dealing with serious financial losses despite large fan support and strong attendance. CNBC reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning back-to-back World Series champions, have also climbed to a valuation close to $9 billion after a huge rise in value. At the same time, the New York Mets posted one of the most surprising financial results in the report. Even though the team performed well in attendance and revenue last season, the organization still recorded a massive operating loss. The new valuation data shows how spending, debt, and stadium economics are shaping the business side of baseball in very different ways across the league.
New York Yankees, Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers and Steve Cohen’s New York Mets highlight MLB’s new team valuations
According to CNBC’s MLB valuation report, the New York Yankees once again sit at the top of baseball’s financial rankings. The franchise is valued at about $9 billion, making it the most valuable team in the sport. CNBC also noted that the Yankees carry roughly $90 million in debt, which is relatively small compared with other clubs.Right behind them are the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose value jumped 38 percent to reach about $9 billion as well. The Dodgers have been aggressive in spending on star players. One major example is Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract in 2023. CNBC reported that $680 million of that deal is deferred, meaning the payments will be made later. The team currently carries about $640 million in debt, according to the same report.The New York Mets, owned by Steve Cohen, produced one of the most surprising financial results. CNBC reported that the Mets finished fifth in attendance and sixth in revenue last season, but still recorded an estimated $280 million operating loss. The losses were mainly tied to extremely high spending, including about $430 million in player payroll and luxury tax payments.Another team drawing attention is the San Diego Padres. CNBC reported that the Padres’ value increased 48 percent to about $3.1 billion. Team owner John Seidler is exploring a possible sale of the franchise, and banking sources told CNBC the team could sell for more than $3 billion. The city of San Diego currently has no other major league teams after the NFL’s Chargers left in 2016 and the NBA’s Clippers moved in 1984, which increases the Padres’ market appeal.Meanwhile, the Athletics also saw their value rise 25 percent. CNBC linked that increase to the team’s planned move to Las Vegas, where a new stadium is expected to open in 2028 after a temporary stay in Sacramento.At the other end of the list, the Miami Marlins were valued at $1.4 billion, the lowest in the league. CNBC reported that the Marlins generated about $304 million in revenue last season while carrying roughly $406 million in debt.