NFL franchise Chicago Bears expected to receive £6.5 billion valuation following equity deal, according to a report
Chicago Bears Valued at £6.5bn in New Broadcast Deal
The Chicago Bears, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL), could be valued at approximately £6.5bn under the terms of a new UK broadcast deal. This valuation places the Bears near the upper tier of NFL franchise values but significantly below the record-breaking valuation of the Dallas Cowboys.
According to recent reports, the Cowboys hold the highest valuation among NFL teams in 2025, with a staggering $12.8 billion valuation. The Bears' potential valuation, if the deal goes through, would be a substantial sum compared to many other NFL franchises.
Here's a comparison of some of the most valuable NFL teams in 2025:
| NFL Team | Valuation (2025) | Approximate USD to GBP Conversion (for context) | |--------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Dallas Cowboys | $12.8 billion | ~£10.00 billion | | Los Angeles Rams | $10.43 billion | ~£8.16 billion | | New York Giants | $10.25 billion | ~£8.02 billion | | New England Patriots| $8.76 billion | ~£6.85 billion | | San Francisco 49ers| $8.25 billion (est.) | ~£6.44 billion | | Chicago Bears | £6.5 billion (~$8.3B) | - |
*Estimated based on ranking orders in sources.
The Cowboys have led NFL valuations for six consecutive years and were the first to surpass $10 billion. The NFL franchises generally saw at least a 10% growth in valuation year-over-year. Teams such as the Washington Commanders are valued at $7.47 billion, further showing the Bears' estimated £6.5 billion valuation would be competitive within the top 10 or so but not the highest.
In addition to the Bears' potential valuation, the NFL has agreed to purchase 10% of Disney subsidiary ESPN, giving the broadcaster control over the NFL Network media arm. This move is part of the NFL's ongoing efforts to expand its presence in the UK broadcast market.
Under the new UK broadcast deal, the NFL will continue to show matches with Sky Sports, and the number of games shown on Channel 5 will increase from the previous season. The NFL is also set to announce a new-look UK broadcast deal with Channel 5, showing two matches per game week on free-to-air television.
The Bears' equity share has been agreed upon by two major shareholders, with the McCaskey family owning approximately 80% of the franchise, while the Ryans will hold the remaining stake. The late investor Andrew McKenna's stake in the Chicago Bears has been shared between the McCaskey and Ryan families.
Recent NFL stake sales have seen valuations similar to that of the proposed valuation for the Chicago Bears. The Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins have also been valued above $8bn following minor stake sales. The San Francisco 49ers have been valued at $8.6bn through a minority six per cent stake sale.
The NFL is currently in broadcast deals with Netflix and YouTube, and the number of overseas international games in the NFL will reach seven in the coming season. The league's expansion in the UK market and the potential valuation of the Chicago Bears are significant developments in the world of professional American football.
- The Chicago Bears, with their new UK broadcast deal, are estimated to be valued at around £6.5bn, placing them in the upper tier of NFL franchise values.
- Despite this significant valuation, the Bears remain below the record-breaking valuation of the Dallas Cowboys, which stands at $12.8 billion in 2025.
- The NFL's ongoing efforts to expand its presence in the UK market include the purchase of 10% of Disney subsidiary ESPN, and the continuation of matches with Sky Sports and an increase in games shown on Channel 5.
- The Bears' equity share has been agreed upon by two major shareholders, with the McCaskey family owning approximately 80% of the franchise, while the Ryans will hold the remaining stake.
