Royals Valued at $1.64 Billion, According to Forbes

MLB team valuations see largest jump since 2017, with the Royals moving up to 27th among 30 teams.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:06pm

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According to the latest estimates from Forbes, the value of the Kansas City Royals has increased by over 25% to $1.64 billion. This represents a 64% increase since the team was purchased by John Sherman's ownership group in 2019 for $1 billion. The Royals' valuation ranks 27th out of 30 MLB teams, with only the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Miami Marlins valued lower.

Why it matters

The Royals' increased valuation comes amid a changing TV landscape and looming labor negotiations, as several teams have ended local TV deals with Diamond Sports in favor of MLB overseeing production. The upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement expiration also raises questions about the potential implementation of a salary cap, a key issue for the players' union.

The details

Forbes estimates the Royals bring in $330 million in total revenues, with $172 million in player expenses and $25 million in operating income - a significant increase from 2025's $5.6 million. Despite these concerns, MLB team valuations continue to rise, with the Tampa Bay Rays recently selling for $1.7 billion, well above Forbes' previous $1.25 billion valuation.

  • The Royals were purchased by John Sherman's ownership group in 2019 for $1 billion.
  • The Royals' valuation has increased by over 25% since 2019, now standing at $1.64 billion.
  • The Collective Bargaining Agreement between MLB and the players' union expires at the end of the current season.

The players

John Sherman

The owner of the Kansas City Royals, who purchased the team for $1 billion in 2019.

Forbes

The media company that releases annual estimates of the valuations of MLB teams.

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What’s next

The upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations between MLB and the players' union will be a key factor in determining the future financial landscape of the sport.

The takeaway

Despite concerns over the changing TV landscape and labor negotiations, the continued rise in MLB team valuations, including the Royals' 25% increase to $1.64 billion, highlights the overall profitability of the sport and its appeal to investors.