The Yankees are expected to have one of their worst years in recent memory on the field, but off it, they are bringing in more money than ever.
For the 16th straight year, the Yankees are baseball’s most valuable team, worth $2.3 billion, according to Forbes.
The team increased in value 24 percent from last year, which also makes the Yankees the most valuable United States sports team.
Despite financial difficulties and an inferior product, the Mets value has increased 13 percent to $811 million, good enough for sixth in Major League Baseball.
Overall, the average baseball team is now worth $744 million, an increase of 23 percent from last year. New national television deals, baseball’s investment fund and the success of MLB Advanced Media have all added to the lift.
Behind the Yankees are the Dodgers ($1.6 billion), Red Sox ($1.3B) and the Cubs ($1B).
The top three highest earning baseball players also play in New York. Alex Rodriguez leads the way with $29.5 million in earnings between his salary and endorsements. Derek Jeter is right behind him with $26 million and Johan Santana is third ($25.9M). None of those three will be on the field for Opening Day because of injuries. CC Sabathia comes in eighth ($23.5M) and Mark Teixeira, also injured, is 10th ($22.8M).