nWo34Life
04-08-2005, 09:22 AM
http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/sports/
Astros' worth increases
Team ranks 11th in value in MLB, Forbes reports
By DAVID BARRON
The Astros increased in value last year to $357 million, making the team the 11th most valuable franchise in Major League Baseball, according to estimates by Forbes Magazine.
The magazine estimated that the Astros' value rose 12 percent from 2003. It estimated the team's 2004 revenue at $155 million, which ranked 10th in the majors, and operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization at $9.6 million, 11th-highest in MLB.
The Yankees remain the most valuable franchise in baseball at $950 million, followed by the Red Sox at $563 million, according to Forbes' estimates, which were released Thursday. They were the only MLB teams in 2004 with revenues totaling more than $200 million — $264 million for the Yankees and $201 million for the Red Sox.
Forbes senior editor Michael Ozanian estimated that the 30 MLB teams increased in value last year by an average of 15 percent, thanks in part to the then-Montreal Expos' announced move to Washington, D.C., which the magazine says more than doubled the franchise's value.
Teams averaged $4.4 million in operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, Ozanian said.
Pam Gardner, the Astros' president for business operations, referred questions to MLB spokesman Rich Levin. Levin said he had not seen the estimates but said, "If the past is any indication, the accuracy has never been there (in the Forbes list)."
The Astros went from ninth in value on last year's list to 11th this year, passed by the Phillies, whose value rose to $392 million after moving into a new stadium, and the Cardinals at $370 million.
Ozanian said the Astros' acquisition of Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte boosted ticket revenue from $38 million in 2003 to $54 million in 2004.
Astros' worth increases
Team ranks 11th in value in MLB, Forbes reports
By DAVID BARRON
The Astros increased in value last year to $357 million, making the team the 11th most valuable franchise in Major League Baseball, according to estimates by Forbes Magazine.
The magazine estimated that the Astros' value rose 12 percent from 2003. It estimated the team's 2004 revenue at $155 million, which ranked 10th in the majors, and operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization at $9.6 million, 11th-highest in MLB.
The Yankees remain the most valuable franchise in baseball at $950 million, followed by the Red Sox at $563 million, according to Forbes' estimates, which were released Thursday. They were the only MLB teams in 2004 with revenues totaling more than $200 million — $264 million for the Yankees and $201 million for the Red Sox.
Forbes senior editor Michael Ozanian estimated that the 30 MLB teams increased in value last year by an average of 15 percent, thanks in part to the then-Montreal Expos' announced move to Washington, D.C., which the magazine says more than doubled the franchise's value.
Teams averaged $4.4 million in operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, Ozanian said.
Pam Gardner, the Astros' president for business operations, referred questions to MLB spokesman Rich Levin. Levin said he had not seen the estimates but said, "If the past is any indication, the accuracy has never been there (in the Forbes list)."
The Astros went from ninth in value on last year's list to 11th this year, passed by the Phillies, whose value rose to $392 million after moving into a new stadium, and the Cardinals at $370 million.
Ozanian said the Astros' acquisition of Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte boosted ticket revenue from $38 million in 2003 to $54 million in 2004.