For years, the most profitable sports clubs have been dominated by NFL and NBA giants. Things haven’t changed much in 2025, with eight of the top ten spots still occupied by teams from these leagues. However, for the first time in years, two European football clubs have broken into this exclusive ranking.
According to data presented by Betideas.com, Manchester United has joined the sports elite, becoming the seventh most profitable sports club in the world. Tottenham Hotspur follows close behind, rounding out the top ten.
Manchester United Ends the Year with $187 Million in Profit, a Staggering 73% Surge
European football clubs have historically struggled to become profitable. Despite their jaw-dropping revenues from sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and matchday sales, many top football clubs spent big to stay competitive, which led to massive operating losses.
Still, a few clubs have managed to strike the right balance, and three of them have even managed to rank among the most profitable clubs in the world. Each year, Forbes ranks the world’s most profitable sports clubs based on operating income. While NFL and NBA leagues have long dominated this list, things changed in 2025, with two Premier League clubs breaking into the rankings, something not seen in years.
With a remarkable $187 million in profit, Manchester United ranked as the seventh most-successful club in the world, trailing behind the New York Giants, LA Lakers and Edmonton Oilers. This represents a massive 73% increase from 2023, when the club reported an operating income of $108 million. As expected, the Dallas Cowboys again topped the list, boasting profits nearly double those of other leading clubs, including the LA Rams and New England Patriots.
Another Premier League club made a surprise appearance on Forbes’ list this year. With $161 million in profit, Tottenham Hotspur secured the tenth spot, outperforming teams like the Houston Rockets, Washington Commanders, and Dallas Mavericks. Manchester City was also featured on the list but ranked five spots lower, with $148 million in profit.
Second-Highest Profit in Five Years
Forbes data also show that Manchester United’s 2024 profit is the second highest this club has seen in five years, trailing only behind the $238 million reported in 2019. This milestone is particularly impressive given that the club’s net income skyrocketed by 73% in just one year, while overall revenue saw only a modest 0.7% increase.
The world`s seventh most successful club also hit a record $6.6 billion valuation in 2024, marking a 10% jump in a single year and a 73% increase over the past five years.