AWFUL KNICKS CASH IN
AS THE LOSSES pile up for the Knicks, so does the franchise’s value. It’s a vicious cycle that’s become inherent amid the team’s repeated failures over the past 15 years, and it only became more solidified Wednesday when Forbes released its 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams of 2015 — a list that included a number of New York franchises.
The Knicks came in as the eighth-most valuable franchise in the world with a total value of $2.5 billion, up from $1.4 billion from their 2014 value. This comes after they compiled the worst year in franchise history last season with 65 losses and .207 winning percentage.
The Yankees topped all New York-area teams and tied the Cowboys for the No. 2 spot on the list with a value of $3.2 billion, trailing only Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid ($3.26 billion). The Bombers moved up two spots from No. 4 in Forbes’ 2014 rankings after a $700 million increase in value.
After the Knicks at No. 8, the Giants came in at No. 12 — tied with the Red Sox — thanks to a $2.1 billion valuation, while the Jets tied with the Cubs at 17 with a value of $1.8 billion. The Nets tied the Ravens at No. 24 with a $1.5 billion valuation. The Mets rounded out the New York-area teams in a tie for 32nd with the Ferrari Formula 1 racing team. Forbes values the Amazin’s at $1.35 billion.
No New York hockey teams cracked the Top 50.