See where YOUR team ranks on the list of the most valuable AFL and NRL clubs in Australia – as one of the codes comes out a clear winner
As the AFL and NRL seasons come to an end, it’s time for fans to reflect on what has been an enthralling sporting season for both codes.
Penrith Panthers claimed their fourth consecutive NRL premiership, while the Brisbane Lions destroyed the Sydney Swans to undo the heartache of their 2023 Grand Final loss and end their 21-year wait for a premiership.
Over the years, many have extensively debated which code is best, with NRL and AFL fans both making their case for both sports.
But there’s no doubt that Australian sport has grown astronomically in recent years, with fans around the world watching the AFL and NRL. According to Channel Nine, the NRL Grand Final was watched by 3.42 million viewers, while the AFL showpiece drew in 4.02 million.
That has only had a positive impact on both the codes and clubs across the country appear to be reaping the benefits, with consultancy firm Brand financing now unveils a definitive list of the most valuable NRL and AFL clubs.
A consultancy has revealed Australia’s most valuable NRL and AFL clubs
More and more people are tuning in to watch Australian sport. According to Channel Nine, the NRL Grand Final was watched by 3.42 million people, while the AFL showpiece had 4.02 million viewers
According to Brand Finance, valuations are calculated by analyzing a brand’s strength and assigning royalty income and the revenue the brand is likely to earn in the future.
And the report found Collingwood is the most valuable sporting club in Australia.
Although it was reported last year that the Swans have the largest supporter base in the AFL, it appears that the Magpies are Australia’s most lucrative club, with a brand value of around $145 million.
But the 2023 premiers stand alone at the top of the tree, outpacing their nearest rivals and the most valuable NRL club, the Brisbane Broncos, by $21.
It comes after the Broncos endured a dismal season that saw them slip down the NRL ladder to 12th following their mid-season slump that saw them lose seven games.
The 2023 Grand Finalists’ surprising dip in form also saw them part ways with their former coach and former player Kevin Walters, who replaced him with Michael Maguire.
Last year’s AFL premiers Collingwood have been crowned the most valuable team
Despite their woes this season, Brisbane Broncos are the most valuable NRL team, sitting second behind Collingwood on the combined ladder
AFL teams dominated the top 10 most valuable teams, with the Brisbane Broncos in second place (Credit: Brand Finance)
Seven Victorian clubs were ranked in the top ten most valuable AFL clubs, while West Coast was the richest non-Victorian club (Credit: Brand Finance)
This year’s NRL premiers, Penrith, came second in the NRL standings, while Grand Finalists, Melbourne came seventh (Credit: Brand Finance)
They lead the pack as the richest club in the NRL, with an estimated net worth of around $124 million.
Carlton comes next in the table, with the Victorian club just surpassing the Penrith Panthers with a value of $115 million.
Victorian clubs led the way on the AFL’s richest club ladder, with seven state clubs in the top 10, while the West Coast Eagles were the most valuable non-Victorian side in the competition.
The Panthers were set to write their name into NRL history last weekend when they won their fourth consecutive Grand Final, but are surprisingly not the most valuable club in the NRL despite their huge supporter base, said to be worth $108 million is.
Richmond Tigers are next in the pecking order, coming in at $101 million, while South Sydney Rabbitohs just missed out on the top five, with a value of $73 million.
The agency noted the significance of Melbourne Storm’s ranking as the seventh richest NRL club at $55 million, despite not coming from a traditional NRL market and with considerations such as exceeding their salary caps.
According to the richest sports team in the world Forbesare the Dallas Cowboys, who are valued at approximately $13 billion, while the Premier League soccer team Manchester United is valued at $9.6 billion.
| AFL | NRL |
|---|---|
| 1. Collingwood – $145 million | 1. Brisbane Broncos – $124 million |
| 2. Carlton – $115 million | 2. Penrith Panthers – $108 million |
| 3. Richmond – $101 million | 3. South Sydney Rabbitohs – $73 million |
| 4. Geelong – $88 million | 4. North Queensland Cowboys – $72 million |
| 5. Essendon – $85 million | 5. Parramatta Eel – $71 million |
| 6. Melbourne – $75 million | 6. Sydney Roosters – $68 million |
| 7. Hawthorn – $73 million | 7. Melbournestorm – $55 million |
| 8. West Coast – $68 million | 8. Bulldogs – $51 million |
| 9. Port of Adelaide – $67 million | 9. Dolphins – $49 million |
| 10. Sydney – $66 million | 10. Newcastle Knights $43 million |
Mark Crowe, Director of Brand Finance, said: ‘This valuation of Australia’s biggest sporting clubs shows that despite being almost exclusively domestic leagues, Australian brands are as strong as some of the brands operating in the richest and largest European and Play American football leagues in the world.
“Australian clubs have incredibly valuable assets in the form of their brands – value that can be measured and built for the benefit of the AFL and NRL.”