According to a report from Forbes on Monday, the Denver Broncos will be sold to Rob Walton, an heir to the Walmart fortune, for $4.5 billion. This makes it the most expensive sports team purchase ever, following shortly after the sale of Chelsea Football Club to a consortium led by U.S. businessman Todd Boehly for $3.13 billion.
Along with purchasing Chelsea at that price — Forbes' 2021 valuation of the team was set at $3.2 billion — the new owners committed to investing a further $2.2 billion into the club. Interestingly, Forbes also had the Broncos valued at $3.2 billion in 2021 (tied with Chelsea as the 25th most valuable sports team in the world), but Chelsea's sale was executed under the cloud of the British government cracking down on Roman Abramovich.
Prior to the sales of the Broncos and Blues, the NFL's Carolina Panthers were the most expensive sports team purchase at $2.3 billion in 2018.
Most Expensive Sports Team Purchases And Sales
#1. Denver Broncos (NFL, 2022) - $4.5 billion
#2. Chelsea (EPL, 2022) - $3.13 billion
#3. Carolina Panthers (NFL, 2018) - $2.3 billion
#4. Houston Rockets (NBA, 2017) - $2.2 billion
#5. LA Clippers (NBA, 2014) - $2 billion
$6. LA Dodgers (MLB, 2012) - $2 billion
#7. Manchester United (EPL, 2005) - $1.5 billion
#8. Buffalo Bills (NFL, 2014) - $1.4 billion
#9. Miami Marlins (MLB, 2017) - $1.2 billion
#10. Seattle Mariners (MLB, 2016) - $1.2 billion
Most Expensive Soccer Team Purchases And Sales
#1. Chelsea (EPL, 2022) - $3.13 billion
#2. Manchester United (EPL, 2005) - $1.5 billion
#3. Arsenal (EPL, 2018) - $753 million
#4. AC Milan (Serie A, 2016) - $690 million
#5. Valencia (LaLiga, 2014) - $433 million
#6. Newcastle (EPL, 2021) - $376 million
#7. Liverpool (EPL, 2010) - $376 million
#8. Inter Milan (Serie A, 2016) - $282 million
#9. Manchester City (EPL, 2008) - $200 million
#10. PSG (Ligue 1, 2011) - $150 million
