Forbes announced Wednesday its list of the world’s most valuable sports franchises for 2018, and the Washington Redskins — yes, the ones that play at FedEx Field — slip in tied for No. 10.
Last year, Washington ranked No. 11 before a five-percent increase in value, according to Forbes, brought the Redskins on par with the Golden State Warriors, who have won six NBA championships. The franchises are both valued at $3.1 billion.
This isn’t a new development for Redskins majority owner Daniel Snyder. The Redskins have been in and around the top 10 previously. In 2011, Washington ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, behind only Manchester United, the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees.
The Redskins are positioned behind NFC East foes Dallas and the New York Giants this time around. Despite Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory last season, the Eagles slot in at No. 22, worth $2.65 billion.
Washington’s value rose even though the organization has managed just two 10-win seasons in the 21st century — 2005 and 2012. The Redskins reshuffled their roster in the offseason, seeing longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins join the Minnesota Vikings while adding Alex Smith to assume duties under center.
While other sports have been on display, namely soccer with the World Cup concluding last week and the MLB All-Star Game happening Tuesday, the NFL still dominates Forbes’ list. Twenty-nine NFL teams made the top 50. Eight basketball teams, seven soccer clubs and six baseball teams filled out the list. No other D.C.-based franchise made the cut.
The Redskins begin training camp in Richmond, Virginia on July 26 and will play their first preseason game August 9 against the New England Patriots. The Redskins return to FedEx Field on August 16 against the New York Jets, and the regular season begins in Arizona, against the Cardinals on September 9.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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