The Denver Broncos are the 29th-most valuable sports franchise in the world.

That, per Sportico this morning, who lists the Dallas Cowboys far and away the most-valuable franchise in the world. (LINK)

Two and a half years ago, the Broncos were sold for a record $4.65 billion, and their value increased by nearly $1B since then.

Denver Broncos are the 29th-most valuable franchise, at $5.49B

For the Waltons–who own Wal-Mart–buying the Broncos has been a bonanza.

In 2022, they set the record purchasing price for North American sports franchises at $4.65B. Only one year later, the Washington Commanders sold to Josh Harris–who was also trying to buy the Broncos–for a new record of $6.05B.

Only two football seasons in, and the Broncos’ value has increased nearly $1B, up to $5.49B per Sportico. And just over the last year, Denver’s value increased by 13%, with $600M of revenue.

And while Broncos Country has long been one of the most loyal fanbases in the country, there’s certainly renewed excitement in the team.

That began with the hiring of Sean Payton as head coach, and continued with the drafting of Bo Nix last year at quarterback.

Payton and Nix led the team to their first playoff berth in eight years.

Winning helps with a team’s value because the fanbase is more likely to purchase tickets and merchandise. Which, speaking of, the Waltons and Penners made a uniform change in 2024.

It’s possible those new uniforms–which couldn’t undergo a complete and total logo redesign because of time constraints–are just a placeholder for another new uniform in the coming years.

According to Sportico, the valuation of franchises includes real estate holdings. That’s why the Cowboys are the first $10 billion team as of this year. All thanks to Jerry World, the first billion-dollar stadium. And others–like the New York Knicks with Madison Square Garden, and Los Angeles Lakers with Crypto.com Arena–are so high up on the list. The real estate includes not only the team’s stadium, but real estate related to the venue, teams’ practice facilities, and adjacent developments.

Broncos new stadium will increase their value, whenever it comes

There have been rumors and talks floating around about the Broncos ownership building a new stadium in Lone Tree. Many teams have moved their stadiums away from city centers because land isn’t available or is too pricey. One, for instance, is the San Francisco 49ers who Al Michaels always makes sure to note now play in Santa Clarita.

Lone Tree is about 20 miles south of downtown Denver where Empower Field at Mile High Stadium currently stands, the location where the Broncos have played since 1960.

With that lease running out in five years, it makes sense the franchise owners are exploring options, which include renewing that lease and building on the site. That’s what happened in the early 2000s, when “New Mile High” was built in Mile High Stadium’s parking lot next door.

Conversely, Kroenke Sports Entertainment who owns the Denver Nuggets–who are 60th on this list at $4.06B–own the land Ball Arena sits on. In total, it’s 55 acres in the middle of downtown Denver which they plan to develop into housing, a park, public art spaces and much more.

So, it would make sense for the team to own land they build their next stadium on.

Speaking of facilities, the Broncos are building a new practice facility currently, which also adds to the franchise’s bottom line.

Meanwhile, the Broncos just earned 17th among 32 teams in the annual NFLPA report card.