Forbes Name Real Madrid As Most Valuable Sports Team

The Spanish giants, who won a 10th European
Cup in May, are the most valuable sports team
in the world, according to Forbes magazine,
worth an estimated $3.44 billion (£2bn).
Real Madrid has made it to the Champions
League semifinals for four consecutive years and
took home the crown this year, defeating
Atletico Madrid 4-1 for its record tenth
Champions League title. The win means a
payout of $78 million versus the $62 million
Real earned last season for its semifinal finish.
Real Madrid, which features global icon and
reigning player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo on
the pitch, generates more revenue than any
sports team in the world ($675 million for the
2012-13 season).
Commercial revenue is padded by a $41 million-
a-year kit deal with Adidas and a shirt
sponsorship with Emirates worth $39 million
annually.
Madrid is planning a $540 million renovation to
its stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, which is
expected to be
completed in 2017.
Los Blancos, sit ahead of eternal rivals
Barcelona and Manchester United , who sit
second and third respectively.
Barcelona, are valued at $3.2bn, while United
rank at $2.81bn.