Least Valuable Pro Sports Teams: Rankings and Valuations 2026

While the global economy suffered during the pandemic, most local professional sports teams weathered the storm. Many franchises took significant financial hits — reports suggested the average NFL team lost well over $100 million — but for most teams it proved to be a temporary setback.

Billionaires still clamor to own teams, and with good reason. Even without perfect management, professional sports franchises are hard to lose money on over the short term. That applies to clubs in the NHL and the English Premier League among others. Below is a look at the 30 least valuable teams across several top leagues, ranked by overall franchise value and accompanied by a concise bottom-line assessment of each club’s situation.

29. Everton (Tie)

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Farhad Moshiri
Total value: $520 million
League titles: 9

Values courtesy of Forbes (NHL) and Sportico (EPL).

Bottom Line: Everton

Everton sits among the lower-valued franchises but remains a major presence in the Premier League. Plans for a new 52,000-seat stadium could narrow the gap with crosstown rival Liverpool and strengthen the club’s commercial profile and matchday revenue in the coming years.

29. New York Islanders (Tie)

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owners: Jon Ledecky, Scott D. Malkin
Total value: $520 million
League titles: 4

Bottom Line: New York Islanders

The Islanders have long moved between venues, but the opening of UBS Arena on Long Island gave the club a permanent, modern home and boosted its stability and revenue potential. Solid management and a dedicated fanbase leave the Isles in a healthier position than in previous itinerant years.

28. San Jose Sharks

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Hasso Plattner
Total value: $515 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: San Jose Sharks

The Sharks benefit from a wealthy owner who is largely absentee but whose investment has maintained the franchise. Geographic and market dynamics in Silicon Valley present both challenges and long-term upside if the team can connect more consistently with fans and corporate partners.

27. St. Louis Blues

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Tom Stillman
Total value: $510 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: St. Louis Blues

The Blues occupy a strong local position, especially in seasons when football and basketball are not in full swing. Their passionate fanbase and media market give the club steady revenue streams, even as they compete in a midsize sports market.

25. Minnesota Wild (Tie)

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Craig Leipold
Total value: $500 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Minnesota Wild

Hockey runs deep in Minnesota, but the pro game competes with a thriving youth and amateur scene. Success at the NHL level and a Stanley Cup run would dramatically elevate the team’s commercial prospects and local enthusiasm.

25. West Ham United (Tie)

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owners: David Gold, David Sullivan
Total value: $500 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: West Ham United

With a long history, passionate rivalries and a 60,000-seat stadium, West Ham has the infrastructure and fanbase to thrive despite being among the lower-valued Premier League clubs. Competitive performance will determine how quickly commercial growth follows.

24. Calgary Flames

Sport/Country: Hockey/Canada
Principal owner: N. Murray Edwards
Total value: $480 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: Calgary Flames

Canadian franchises face currency and market-size challenges, but Calgary enjoys a dedicated local following. Plans for a new arena scheduled around 2024–25 should enhance revenue and fan experience.

22. Leicester City (Tie)

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha
Total value: $470 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: Leicester City

The Foxes continue to punch above their weight. Strong ownership committed to competing with larger clubs, plus a recent FA Cup win, keeps Leicester a respected and financially viable Premier League presence.

22. Tampa Bay Lightning (Tie)

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Jeffrey Vinik
Total value: $470 million
League titles: 2

Bottom Line: Tampa Bay Lightning

Under owner Jeffrey Vinik, the Lightning have become a model of competitive investment, winning multiple championships and maximizing both on-ice success and commercial returns.

21. Colorado Avalanche

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Stan Kroenke
Total value: $465 million
League titles: 2

Bottom Line: Colorado Avalanche

Stan Kroenke owns multiple sports properties and the Avalanche are one of the league’s stronger teams on paper and on ice. Continued competitive performance should translate into growing franchise value.

20. Anaheim Ducks

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owners: Susan and Henry Samueli
Total value: $460 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have struggled on the ice in recent seasons and are relying on young talent to reverse the trend. In a competitive Southern California market, results are crucial to stay relevant and profitable.

19. Carolina Hurricanes

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owners: Tom Dundon, Peter Karmanos Jr.
Total value: $440 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: Carolina Hurricanes

Investments in arena upgrades and a growing season-ticket base have stabilized the franchise. The Hurricanes combine good management with solid on-ice performance, strengthening their long-term outlook.

18. Nashville Predators

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Herbert Fritch
Total value: $435 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Nashville Predators

Bridgestone Arena hosts fervent crowds and offers a strong matchday environment, but with the building jointly owned by local government, the franchise doesn’t capture the full financial upside of the venue.

17. Ottawa Senators

Sport/Country: Hockey/Canada
Principal owner: Eugene Melnyk
Total value: $430 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Ottawa Senators

The Senators have faced attendance and performance challenges, but a low payroll and the development of young talent preserve the club’s financial viability while hopes persist for a new arena and a stronger future roster.

16. Winnipeg Jets

Sport/Country: Hockey/Canada
Principal owner: True North Sports & Entertainment
Total value: $405 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Winnipeg Jets

Despite being the smallest Canadian market in the NHL, the Jets thrive through astute management and an intensely loyal fanbase. Bell MTS Place delivers an exceptional atmosphere and consistent local support.

15. Buffalo Sabres

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owners: Kim and Terrence Pegula
Total value: $385 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo is a passionate hockey market, but a prolonged playoff drought has strained attendance and sponsorship. Turning competitive performance around will be key to unlocking the franchise’s full potential.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owners: John P. McConnell, Nationwide
Total value: $310 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus works to build momentum on and off the ice. Creative local partnerships and stronger competitive results would improve revenue and fan engagement in a market that supports its sports teams actively when they win.

13. Florida Panthers

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Vincent Viola
Total value: $295 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Florida Panthers

Hockey faces demographic and market challenges in South Florida, where interest is more limited than in traditional hockey regions. Building broader engagement will take time and meaningful on-ice success.

12. Arizona Coyotes

Sport/Country: Hockey/USA
Principal owner: Alex Meruelo
Total value: $285 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes have struggled to land a stable, long-term venue arrangement and to grow a consistent fanbase in a nontraditional hockey market. Venue uncertainty and attendance challenges make long-term growth harder but not impossible.

11. Leeds United

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owners: Andrea Radrizzani, 49ers Enterprises
Total value: $280 million
League titles: 3

Bottom Line: Leeds United

Back at Elland Road after a long absence, Leeds have re-established themselves in the top flight and capitalized on renewed fan excitement. Continued Premier League stability will be central to maintaining and growing the club’s value.

9. Newcastle United (Tie)

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Mike Ashley
Total value: $265 million
League titles: 4

Bottom Line: Newcastle United

Newcastle boasts proud traditions and loyal fans, but long-term stagnation under previous ownership frustrated supporters. Ownership changes and renewed investment could revive ambitions and commercial opportunities.

9. Aston Villa (Tie)

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owners: Wes Edens, Nassef Sawiris
Total value: $265 million
League titles: 7

Bottom Line: Aston Villa

New ownership has signaled ambition to grow Aston Villa’s global brand and invest in talent. If the owners follow through with strong recruitment and infrastructure investment, Villa could move further up the league and commercial ladder.

8. Crystal Palace

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owners: David Blitzer, Josh Harris, Steve Parish
Total value: $250 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Crystal Palace

Under investors with experience in U.S. sports, Palace aims to stabilize and grow. The club’s focus remains on consolidation in the Premier League while improving on-field results to expand revenues.

7. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Guo Guangchang (Fosun International)
Total value: $235 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fosun helped elevate Wolves from lower tiers back to the Premier League. Recent setbacks linked to the pandemic and inconsistent form mean expectations must be balanced with realistic investment and development goals.

6. Southampton

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Gao Jisheng
Total value: $205 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Southampton

Southampton has a strong academy and history of producing talent, but ownership questions and potential sales of key players can create uncertainty. Sustainable success depends on balancing player development with strategic retention and investment.

5. Brighton & Hove Albion

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Tony Bloom
Total value: $200 million
League titles: 2

Bottom Line: Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton has established itself as a steady Premier League club since promotion in 2016–17. With careful recruitment and strong ownership, the Seagulls aim to remain competitive and grow their commercial footprint over time.

4. Burnley

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: ALK Capital
Total value: $180 million
League titles: 2

Bottom Line: Burnley

As one of the smallest towns represented in the Premier League, Burnley benefits from fierce local loyalty and a long-standing home at Turf Moor. Maintaining top-flight status is essential for expanding commercial gains and long-term stability.

3. Fulham

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Shahid Khan
Total value: $165 million
League titles: 0

Bottom Line: Fulham

Shahid Khan’s ownership has brought stability to Fulham. Competing in London against wealthier clubs means on-field success is crucial to attracting fans, sponsors and growing the club’s commercial value.

2. West Bromwich Albion

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Guochuan Lai
Total value: $110 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: West Bromwich Albion

After relegation in the 2020–21 season, West Brom faces the financial consequences of dropping out of the Premier League. Loyal supporters remain a major asset as the club strives to rebuild and pursue promotion.

1. Sheffield United

Sport/Country: Soccer/UK
Principal owner: Abdullah bin Musa’ed
Total value: $60 million
League titles: 1

Bottom Line: Sheffield United

Relegation from the Premier League removed a major revenue stream for Sheffield United. The club’s future depends on strong leadership, prudent investment and a plan to return to the top flight to restore television and commercial income.

These clubs represent a cross-section of markets, ownership styles and strategic challenges. While dollar valuations put them at the bottom of a particular list, each franchise still holds potential — whether through improved performance, stadium projects, or more aggressive commercial strategies — to grow their value and reassert themselves in their respective leagues.