Forbes Names Ravens One Of The Most Valuable Teams In The World
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Ravens colors are purple and black but the franchise is seeing green. Forbes just released a list of the most valuable sports teams in the world. So where did the Baltimore Ravens end up?
Linh Bui explains what this means for the team and the city.
The Ravens cracked the top 20, landing at number 19 of the most valuable sports teams in the world. It's great for the franchise, awesome news for fans and could have a big impact on the city of Baltimore.
There's still a lot to celebrate five months after the Super Bowl. Forbes just released a list of the most valuable sports teams in the world and joining the ranks of huge franchises like Manchester United and the New York Yankees? The Baltimore Ravens.
"You love to see momentum and right now, Baltimore and Baltimore Ravens are a team with momentum. A brand with momentum," said David Warschawski, CEO Warschawski Marketing Communications.
The franchise value goes from $1.09 billion up to $1.157 billion.
"Look at the Ravens the past couple of years: got a great track record of being a winning team. Having two Super Bowls under our belt and a Super Bowl last year certainly does not hurt us," Warschawski said.
It's an enormous mark of pride and distinction. Baltimore is one of just two medium-sized cities in the top 20.
Part of what makes the Ravens so valuable? The fans. Studies show the team's national appeal is going up, which means the fan base is growing outside Baltimore.
Fans say the news does not surprise them.
"What makes the Ravens special to me is they give you that hometown feel," said one fan.
"Definitely more pride and confidence in the team because they did so well last year, and I think it's gonna help them a lot," said another.
And what's good for the Ravens is great for the city.
"People love to be around great sports franchises and that helps attract business to the city of Baltimore. It helps us attract dollars. It also helps us attract talent to the city of Baltimore," Warschawski said.
Something else Forbes took into consideration: the caliber of the franchise and how well the team is run as a business.
Coming in at number one on the Forbes list: Real Madrid is the most valuable sports team in the world.
